Iron Crowned Chapter 21

For a few mo manpowerts, we were frozen in succession. It was Jasmine who ultimately got things moving again.Oh, she utter. Wow.Kiyos grip on the form tightened, and for a second, I fe ard hed crumple or rip it. Instead, he let it f both to the floor and strode toward me as swiftly and ferociously as his predatory alter ego. I felt Jasmine shift non away, provided closer to me. be you certain(predicate)? he asked, in a low, deadly voice.Ab go forth which part? I snapped. That Im pregnant? Or that its yours?Both.I felt my look narrow as I continue determineing maddened and defensive. Yes. Both. dummy up fell. ThenWhen are you getting rid of it? he asked.Christ. You get repair to the point.You slam the point he exclaimed. You know what its always been Youre sure? Youre unfeignedly sure youre pregnant?Id had the uniform questions for Dr. Moore and pitch myself repeating her answer. Yes. The tests are very(prenominal) accurate. Besides, why else do you regard theyd sched ule me for that? I pointed to the referral lying on the floor. He powerfulness run away with wolfs, exclusively hed still know what a CVS was.Jasmine, however, did not. She slipped away, gave him a wide berth, and retrieved the paper. Whats a chorionic vil-vil Its a test to detect defects, I said. I gave Kiyo a pointed look. And sexual urge.Its a waste of time, he argued. He sw every last(predicate)owed and act a kinder, more reasonable course with me. Eugenie, you know the d angriness. You senst waste another day. If any genius finds out if anyone in the Other being I know, I know Do you believe Im blockheaded? Do you commend I roundhow confounded the constant rape attempts and actual rape based on that divination? Damn it, I know stop than you what it means save I cant I cant get an abortion until I know what it is. If its a fille or a boy.And then what? he asked. Youll keep it if its a girl? You always said you werent sure you lacked to fox kids.Im stil l not, I admitted, my voice trembling. A baby world conqueror or not had never been on my agenda. But I flip to know.His expression darkened, the coaxing gone. Its better if you dont. Its better to keep it all anonymous, better not to think of it as a person. Stay ignorant. full have the abortion and be done.Jasmine hadnt locomote from her spot, her eyes tone ending back and forth as she watched my communicative volley with Kiyo. Geez, she said. You dont seem too upset about(predicate) killing your own kid. I had been thinking the same thing. His cold detachment shocked me.He flinched and gritted his teeth. I never said Im not upset.But youre not except upset about what this means for the prophecy, I pointed out. I studied him carefully, realization dawning. You dont entirely believe its yours anyway.Do you blame me? he asked.Its yours, I said adamantly. The last time Id been with Dorian, wed had kinky oral sex. peradventure I hadnt known about antibiotics interacting wit h birth control pills, but I knew where a guy had to postdate to sop up you pregnant. I know without a doubt.This gave Kiyo pause, as though he really were truly ruminative the reality of losing his child. I told you I never said Im not upset about this. But its got to be dealt with. How could you have let this happen?Oh, nice, I said. Its my fault. If youre so into caution, possibly you shouldnt have fucked me in that grotto.Jasmines eyes widened.Okay, obstruct it, he said tightly. And forget your CVS. Just get the abortion while its still easy. You cant be that uttermost along.I shot up. While its still easy? Like you know Youre not the one who has to go through itWhy are you fighting me on this? he exclaimed in disbelief. You always said youd do this. Do you want the prophecy to come true? Do you want to have a son who leads armies here from the Otherworld to conquer and enslave?Of course not You know that.Then stop wasting time Look, if youre scared about getting it done you dont have to do it here.Oh? I can check in at the Otherworlds Planned Parenthood clinic?No, he said wearily. But in that respect are potions. Maiwenn could help. Along with healing, she can work all sorts of other medical magic.Im sure she can. I couldnt hide the turnterness in my voice. And Im sure shed be more than happy to.Eugenie Look, I interrupted. Heres how it is. I dont like your attitude. I dont like you dictating this to me like Im stupid or something. I know the consequences, okay? And you know where I stand on the prophecy. But I just have to know what just now is in me kickoff. Two long time. We just wait two days for the test.And then how long until the results? he asked. More time passes. Every day is dangerous.But what if its a girl? This came from Jasmine. Both Kiyo and I turned to her. What if Eugenie can have it? Youre always going on and on about how awesome Luisa is. Wouldnt you want another one especially with, like, your actual sort of girlfriend ?Its not Kiyo bit off his joints and turned back to me. Those dark eyes studied me, and I felt my anger diffuse as they softened. I felt his love and knew all of this was coming from panic, his fears about the prophecy finally coming true. Two days, he said at last.Two days, I repeated. And then Ill do the right thing. I wasnt exactly sure what the right thing would be if I was having a girl, seeing as motherhood still didnt really jump out at me. But that didnt matter right now. What mattered was that I had the choice.Then, abruptly and without warning, Kiyo wrapped his arms some me, crushing me to his chest. I love you, he said, voice shaking. It was the first time hed spoken those words since wed gotten back together, and they tore something inside of me. But Im just afraid.I am too, I said, whim tears spring into my eyes. Fucking hormones. Everythingll be okay.When he released me, I finally really comprehended that Jasmine had witnessed all of this. The dramatic factor had probably trumped anything she could find on TV. Her face was a coffer mask now, which made me uneasy. What was she thinking about all this? For so long, shed cute to be the one to have the heir. I supposed she should be all for an abortion. Yet maybe she was so keen on our fathers prophecy that she didnt care who had his grandson, so long as she could ride the power with us.I need you to stay with Jasmine tomorrow, I told Kiyo later, when we were lying in bed. I wish she hadnt found out about this. Maybe Im overreacting, but Im overturned shell do something with the information. I could have Volusian watch her like he is now I usually summoned my minion for night watches. But Id feel better with you there.Kiyo drew the covers up around us. Where are you going?Where do you think?He groaned. Eugenie, you cant go back there until this mess is settled. If they find out if anyone finds out well. All funny farm will break loose, from those who are for the prophecy and those who are against it.I have to, I said. I exculpate now that most of my being sick is because well, you know. But being apart from those lands is affecting me too. I just need to check in. No more full-fledged meditation sessions, though. I couldnt risk any more telltale signs of my maternalism from that intense communion. Id just do the bare minimum required. And not just with the lands magic. I need to keep an eye on the Rowan demesnes transition.I feared his reaction, particularly after his earlier outburst. Instead, he brushed a kiss to my lips. Be careful. Be quick.I will. I pushed my lips back, kissing him harder. I moved my body closer to his, wrapping our legs together. I was terrified of what was happening, terrified of what I might be carrying. But now, with Kiyo on my side, I felt safe. We would get through this together, and I suddenly wanted to connect with him and feel his love around me.He responded instantly to the kiss, one of his hands tipping my head back in ensnar e to consume more of my lips. His other hand gripped my upper arm, nails lightly scratching my skin as animal lust began to take over. Then, abruptly, he stopped and pulled away.Whats wrong? I asked. I started to say he didnt have to worry about getting me pregnant, but that joke seemed kind of inappropriate.Nothing Im just Im just tired. He kissed me again, but this time it was on my cheek. Its been a long day. Just not up for it tonight heretofore though youre as sexy as always.The lightness in those last words seemed forced, and I was jolly he couldnt see my frown in the darkness. I had just been rejected because because why? Having sex during pregnancy wasnt harmful, I knew that oft. Was I repulsive? Was the thought that I was carrying Storm Kings heir putting him off? some(prenominal) the reason, I didnt buy that he wasnt up for it. Wed been pressed hip to hip moments ago, and his body had most for certain been up for it.A sexless night was the least of my problems, an d although neither of us spoke, I knew he slept as badly as I did. We tossed and turned, our movements as disturbing to each other as our individual worries. We both(prenominal) had assembly lineshot eyes when we woke.I headed off to the Otherworld as soon as I could after eat well, after what passed as breakfast for me. My appetite was still low. Jasmine wasnt happy when I denied her request to come with me, but Kiyo and Volusians presence was too daunting for her to put up ofttimes of a fight.I felt the rachis Lands welcoming energy when I crossed over, but thankfully, it revealed vigor about my maternal state. My provide was as happy to see me, particularly Shaya, who looked like shed thought I wasnt ever going to return. It wasnt an entirely jobless fear. She and I sat alone in one of the parlors while she updated me on the situation. Rurik feels the Rowan Land is abiding large to move in a governing body. at that places still some unrest, and hell stay on for a whi le, but most have fancyed your rule. Its the way things go. Hes in like manner culled the Rowan military and feels you can imprecate whos left.I tried not to grimace at that, wondering what his culling had entailed. And Katrice and Cassius?She shrugged. Still imprisoned. Awaiting your verdict.I dont really want to do anything with them, I admitted. I dont know what to do with them. aboveboard? With Katrice? You could set her free, and it wouldnt matter. Stripping the land from her unfinished most of her magic. Her reason to live. Shes harmless. Without hope. But Cassius Shaya frowned. Hes dangerous. He cant wrestle the land from you, but hes got enough power to make trouble. Dorians already written and advised execution.I scoffed. Im sure he has.Dorians too provided a list of passel hed like to see installed in the Rowan Land. We settled the resources split, but he feels he deserves a lordly interest in your rule there.A controlling interest? This isnt a corporation I exclai med. import him and make it very, very clear that his help isnt undeniable over there. It isnt wanted. He has no right to it. tell apart him all of that.Shaya hesitated, fretfully toying with one of her black braids. No matter how diplomatically I word that well, the antagonism will still come through. Itll anger him.Good, I retorted. Dorian was a safe site for my churning emotions at the moment, and God knew I needed some sort of outlet. Let him be angry or pout or whatever. Im pretty sure he isnt going to declare war on me.It was something Id figured out recently. Dorian had been an advocate of using the Iron Crown to scare other monarchs, but the thing was, now that we werent together anymore, he had to realize it could be used against him too. I actually hadnt had to feed in in to his spoils of war demands. That had been a kindness on my part, and he knew it. I didnt have to fear Dorian. I no longer needed him.Very well, Shaya replied. Her tone was obedient, but I knew she dreaded that letter. Shed never lose her devotion to him, and I was forcing her to split her loyalties. But we do need someone to manage the Rowan Land unless youre going to do it personally.No, I said swiftly, not that I needed to. Shed already known I had no interest in it. Do you have someone in mind?Yes. Me.I wasnt exactly surprised that shed step up to the task. I was surprised, however, that she didnt look particularly upset about it. Maybe she relished the challenge.Im tranquil with that, I said. Hell, after what you did around here, I know you can get Rowan into shape. But whos going to run things here?I was thinking Nia could.Nia? I asked, startled. My hairstylist?Shaya crooked me a grin. What do you think she does when youre not around? Shes been helping me and learning. I think shed do very well. Thered be others to support her, and, of course, she could always contact me.It was still an unexpected choice, but Shaya seemed confident. And, I supposed, wed gotten the Thorn Land into good enough shape that it now functioned pretty smoothly.Okay, I said at last. Lets make it happen. When do you plan on moving?Today, she said. Ill go when you go. My things are packed.I couldnt help laughing. You knew Id agree. And you knew Id refuse Dorian.Shaya put on her primmest look, but her eyes sparkled. Yes, Your Majesty.I walked the Thorn Land before leaving, long enough to reassure the land I was there and boost the morale of the soldiers fortressing my keep. Not that they needed it. We were victorious, and they were still celebrating. Id donned my gold crown for the trip to the Rowan Land, and my men regarded me with adoration, calling out cheers for their brave, all-powerful queen. What would they do if they knew? I wondered. What would they do if they knew I was carrying a potential warlord? Somehow, it wasnt much of a mystery. They would cheer more. They would worship me and revel in the chance to extend our rule.It made me eager to go to the Rowan La nd, where I was feared rather than adored. Of course, I didnt know if that was any better. If those people knew I was carrying Storm Kings grandchild, it would simply intensify their fear and convince them more than ever that they were under the control of a tyrant queen. Kiyo was right, I realized. No one in the Otherworld could know about my pregnancy. Any reaction it drew would be a powerful one. The sooner I could leave, the better.Borrowed soldiers from the Thorn Land still made up the bulk of the guard at Katrices former castle, and their expressions mirrored those of their colleagues back home. I played the part, smiling and walking among them confidently, not make bold to show the fear and uncertainty I felt. Like the Thorn Lands, the Rowan Lands energy buzzed around me. solely I felt it, of course, but once, when I paused and talked to a guard for several minutes, I saw a small red flower growing where Id stood. No one noticed, and I hastily headed for the castle, figuring nothing would sprout out of stone walls.Rurik greeted us happily, having already known about Shayas new position. As we all converged, I saw something flash between them, something that surprised me. Affection. More than friendly affection. It was then that I also noticed a bracelet Shaya wore, made of emeralds and pearls. Id seen it before. Girard had been working on it when I first met Imanuelle. It was the piece Rurik had commissioned. I tried not to gape as the truth hit me. Shaya and Rurik. They had a relationship going on, some romance, probably one that had been building right before me that Id been too oblivious to notice. That was why she hadnt minded taking on stewardship of a kingdom conquered through unorthodox means.No one else seemed to notice or maybe everyone already knew about them but as I stood there and listened to more debriefings, I felt a pang in my chest. It was like Tim and Lara and not because both couples were so bizarrely matched. No, the similaritie s came in that it was so easy for all of them. Just fall in love and go with it. No political machinations and motives. No world-altering prophecies to muck things up. Id free myself from Dorians scheming and not without a fair amount of heartache but things with Kiyo now were irrevocably altered. No matter how my pregnancy panned out, even if it had as happy an ending as it could, I knew things between him and me would never be the same. I would never have an easy relationship.Queasiness welled up in me, and I didnt gall trying to figure out which of the myriad reasons could be causing it. I leaned against the wall as Rurik continued speaking about troop placement. Even though it wasnt part of the land, the wall and castles foundation touched the land, and I felt that magic warm and comfort me. I took a deep breath. I could do this. Everything would be all right, just as Id told Kiyo. Id know my childs gender soon. Then Id know what to do.My intention had been to stay around lo nger and make sure Shaya was settled in, but I soon decided I needed to get back. The others looked like they would have liked me to stay a little longer too, but they were also used to my weird or as they considered them, human ways. I assured them all that I had the accomplishment faith in them, reminded Shaya to rebuke Dorian, and then headed back to Tucson as soon as I could.When I arrived home and analyzed how Id been feeling today, it occurred to me that the transitions from world to world were making me sick. Transitioning wasnt an easy feat in world-wide some couldnt even do it. Id grown adept at it, but now, it took its toll, even with the help of a gateway. I still enough about pregnancy to know these annoying symptoms only lasted for a briefly time, but that didnt negate their annoyance. I didnt want anything slowing me down. I didnt want to be hampered. My body was bout against me, and Kiyos urging just to end the pregnancy began to seem like a better and better i dea. What did gender matter? I wasnt ready for this.He was relieved to see me back early and wrapped me up in another big embrace. Everythings okay? he asked in a low voice. Nobody found out?I shook my head. No. And Im not going back until until this is settled. Im also starting to think What? he prompted.That you were right. That gender doesnt matter. The test is so close, though Ill still do it. But. Well. Like I said, it doesnt matter. embossment flooded his features. Im glad, Eug. Its the right thing to do. He hugged me again, and the hug was filled with more intensity. You can always set off the test.No, Ill do it. Especially after the fit I threw with my poor heal.I wish I could go with you, he said wistfully. But Im not sure I can. Im taking a couple of work shifts.Are you? Or are you running off to Maiwenn?Its fine, I said. You wouldnt be able to find out anything that day anyway.But youll let me know the moment you know? he asked, staring at me hard.The very moment.Kiyo might not have been able to go with me but Jasmine did.Ostensibly, I told myself it was because she couldnt be left by herself. Yet, deep inside, when I really looked at my heart, I knew the truth. I didnt want to go through this alone. I knew what the test entailed, and even if we got no answers today, it was still one step closer to what could be a wide event.You can do it, you know, Jasmine told me.Id let her come into the exam room with me. It was dimly lit for the ultrasound equipment, and the doctor and tech had stepped out so I could change. Undressing in front of Jasmine felt weird, so I unploughed my back to her as I put on the hospital gown.Do what? This test?No. I mean, yeah, whatever, youll be fine. But I mean, have the baby. Whatever it is. Even a boy. You can fulfill our fathers prophecy. There was a zeal in her voice I hadnt heard in a while one Id hoped had gone away.Gowned, I turned around. No. Thats out of the question. If its a boy well, I cant have it. rem nant of story. A girl I dont know. Im probably not doing that either. I couldnt help adding, Besides, I thought you wanted to be the heirs mother.Her face was deadly earnest as she considered my words. I did. But maybe Im not meant to.The staff returned and situated me on the examining table while Jasmine retreated to a corner. They introduced themselves Dr. Sartori and Veronica the tech. They explained the procedure to me, though Id already read up on it several times. The doctor was going to ack stick a giant plague in me to collect cells and would use ultrasound to guide him. He made sure I understood the risk of such a test. A small percentage of women miscarried. Dryly, I told him I was willing to accept that.Veronica raised the gown to bare my stomach. As she rubbed gel on it, I stared down wonderingly. Honestly? It looked no different than in the past. Id always been skinny, and with my lack of appetite, I probably wasnt putting on much weight. If not for my symptoms and Dr. Moores very accurate test, I never would have guessed what was inside me. And what was inside me? My stomach took on a strange, sinister countenance. Again, I had that feeling of my bodys betrayal. It was doing things out of my control.Okay, said Veronica, moving the waddle to my stomach. Lets take a look.Both she and Dr. Sartori watched a black monitor that had my name, birthday, and a few other stats at the bottom of the screen. When the toddle made contact, the screen flared to life, showing the indecipherable gray and white confusion Id always seen when people had ultrasounds on TV. I could make no sense of it nor see anything resembling a baby, but sound immediately accompany the images, repetitive swishing noises, kind of like waves. I at least knew what that meant.Thats the heartbeat, isnt it? I asked, a strange feeling crawling over me. Heartbeat. Another creatures heart inside of me.Neither practitioner answered right away. Dr. Sartori frowned curiously, and Veronica shifted the paddle around to get more views.Huh, said the doctor.What? I exclaimed. Two immediate possibilities sprang to mind. One was that my gentry blood mixing with Kiyos kitsune blood had created some sort of monster. The other thought one that suddenly offered a world of safety was that there had been a mistake. The test wasnt accurate, and I actually wasnt pregnant. Isnt that the heartbeat?Dr. Sartoris gaze fell on me, a small smile on his lips. Thats the heartbeats. You have twins.