“A baby doll—this is a joke, right?” I asked, confusion stamped on my face. She handed me the small newborn-sized doll, which started shrieking with an ear piercing cry the moment I held it. “How the hell do you shut it off?” I shouted over the wailing thing, which I held up by its leg.
“Try cuddling with it, Flower,” Ristan said from the door. I turned a horrified look up at him.
“You ass,” I growled as I tried to comfort the doll and failed. I had zero knowledge of how to calm a screaming baby; it wasn’t as if we had child raising classes at the Guild.
“Here, like this,” he said as he sifted to the bed and took hold of the doll. “Gentleness is universal. Even Fae babes love a cuddle to feel secure; smart little things also like breasts.”
I lifted a brow as he swaddled the doll in a blanket he glamoured, and rocked the lifelike doll in his arms. It instantly stopped crying and made gentle mewling sounds. I groaned. “I’m probably going to be the worst mother ever known to Fae and mankind alike.”
“No, you just need to practice making Bob here, happy,” Ristan said as he eyed my growing belly. He, out of everyone here spent the most time watching my tummy, as if he expected the twins to show him the future, or theirs maybe. “Every mother fears that she will be a bad one. It’s what makes them a parent.”
“And you think handing me a doll who hates me, will help? I’ve never had a mother, not one that I remember anyway, except for my foster mother, but those memories are mostly faded now. I’ve never even held an infant.”
“Flower, those babes will have an entire Caste of Fae watching over them and protecting them. You won’t be raising them alone. A wise woman once told me that it takes a village to raise a child. You’ll be a fierce mother, and no other children will ever be as loved as yours.”
That was if they lived. No one said it out loud, but we all thought it. It weighed on everyone’s mind as each minute passed and the birth grew closer. Faery was sick, and there was a real possibility my children would die because of it. It was a threat we couldn’t protect against, even though Darynda had been giving me every remedy known to the Fae race.
I knew he was here before he peered inside the door. Adam looked good in his new role as the official Dark Prince. His hair was a little longer than I was used to, and his brands were more pronounced in contrast against his smooth skin.
“There’s my girl,” he said as he leaned his tall body against the door. “How’re you feeling?”
“I’m doing pretty good considering I’m the size of a small house. Well, minus the strange cravings and the persistent crying at random times.” I smiled as he shook his head.
“Synthia, you’re pregnant. Crying is allowed.”
“I feel like my entire body has been taken over by aliens,” I admitted.
“Flower, it’s time to join Ryder in the throne room. Your presence has been requested,” Ristan said as he lifted his head. I’d known for a while now that he, his brothers, and Ryder were able to communicate telepathically, just like Ryder had done with me on occasion. I wasn’t sure if this was one of those times, as he didn’t seem to have the telltale cocking of his head to the side, as they normally did when they listened to someone using that channel of communication.
I waved my hand, ‘showering’ with a single thought. The magic washed over me and Ristan nodded and glamoured a dress over my bursting curves. I’d curbed using the more strenuous magic, since we were unsure if it would draw from the babies. Eliran had been unable to answer that question, and since then I hadn’t sifted, or dressed myself unless it was done as a normal Human. I didn’t mind it, but others here thought it was weird.
I was dressed in a striped blue and white chevron maxi dress. It was comfortable, and Ristan had even added accessories to the wardrobe, including bracelets and a crystal necklace. I slipped my feet into the fur trimmed slipper boots he’d glamoured for me. My feet had been swelling off and on, and the slippers seemed to be the only thing I could wear comfortably these days.
“Here,” Adam said as he held out his hand to help me up.
“Thanks,” I said and accepted his extended offering. He smiled as he effortlessly brought me to my feet.
“Shit, Synthia, have you even gained any weight?” he asked with concern lighting his emerald eyes. “Well, besides for the bulging midsection that is.”
“A few pounds, but I feel like I have gained a lot more. Ryder doesn’t want me to continue training so I’m feeling the neglect in my muscles,” I frowned. “I’d prefer to keep training and with a war coming, it only makes sense to be ready for anything.”
“Sorry, but I have to go with Ryder on this one. You need to be careful of what you do, and be mindful of my nieces,” he replied with a smug grin.
“Nieces…?” I asked.