“Makes sense,” I murmured, imagining me attempting to shift forms with a stomach three times the size it was now. I glanced back at Ash. “Is it possible for the essence to protect them—the babes?”

“I have seen it happen with gods,” he said. “Usually in severe cases. In a way, the eather seeks to protect and provide for the most vulnerable aspect of your being. It would be the same for a Primal.”

I nodded and looked down to where Ash’s and my hands rested. Knowing the eather would seek to protect them first brought forth a rush of relief.

“There is something I want to touch on,” Kye said. “Since you were born mortal, I believe it would be wise if you gave birth as those who were once mortal do. Not all of them do this, but most choose to give birth in the mortal realm. It’s a bit of a tradition.”

“Is there a reason for that?” Ash asked with a frown.

“That’s a complicated answer.” A faint smile appeared. “It is believed that doing so pays respect to where they’ve come from by linking the next generation to the mortal realm. I have seen no…scientific evidence explaining why those born mortal have easier deliveries in the mortal realm, but they do. There must be something to it.”

I glanced at Ash. “What do you think?”

“I think I want whatever is best for you and our babes,” he responded. “If that means giving birth in the mortal realm, then so be it.”

Plans were then made for Kye to travel to Lotho with one of the guards.

“There’s just one last thing.” Kye rose, picking up the pad of bound parchment. “If you are injured,” he said, halting as a low growl came from Ash. The Healer swallowed, shoving the pad into his satchel. “I want to check you over, no matter how minor the injury is.”

“She will not be injured,” Ash stated, and I tensed. “But, in the unlikely event that it happens, we will contact you.”

“Good.” Kye drew the strap of his satchel over his head. “Now, if anything happens that concerns you—either of you,” he said, glancing at Ash, “please summon me immediately.”

“Is there anything we should be keeping an eye on?” I asked, unfolding my legs and turning so they hung off the bed. “Because I’m pretty sure everything will concern me.”

The Healer smiled knowingly. “It’s normal to be anxious when expecting, especially when it’s your first go at this, but one thing to keep a watch for is bleeding. Light spotting is normal, but anything more than that, I want to know. Severe stomach pain is another thing, or if the nausea worsens to the point where you cannot keep food down. As the pregnancy progresses, there will be other things to keep an eye on, but right now, those are the things I want to know about immediately if they occur.”

There were more things to potentially worry about? Great.

“If something like that occurs, does that mean the pregnancy is…?” Ash drew in a deep breath and shifted so he was sitting beside me. “Is in jeopardy?”

“Not always,” Kye said. “It doesn’t mean the babes will be lost, but it can be a cause for concern.”

My heart dropped. “Could anything be done, or could I…?” I trailed off, instinct telling me that even as the true Primal of Life, there wouldn’t be anything I could do.

The Primal Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Fertility was another story. However, the vadentia also warned me that a Primal intervention could incite the Fates’ ire.

“Depending on the issue, there are things. Treatments. Certain action plans.” His smile was kind and patient. “But do not stress yourselves over something that has yet to come and likely will not occur. You both have enough on your plates. You don’t need unnecessary stress.”

Ash slid me a sideways glance, and we both knew that unnecessary worry and me were like two peas in a pod.

After Kye said his goodbyes, Nektas stepped inside. “Everything okay?”

“For now.” Ash reached over and tucked back a stray curl that had slipped free of the hair he’d braided this morning. “However, I do believe Sera is a bit irritated with me.”

Nektas raised his brows.

“He kept growling and snarling at Kye,” I explained, and Nektas grinned. “Which means the next several months are going to be real fun.”

“Most definitely,” remarked Nektas.

Ash frowned. “I just didn’t like him touching you.”

I looked at him.

“What?” he asked, sending a narrow-eyed look at the draken.

Nektas chuckled. “Nothing.”

“Anyway.” I drew out the word. “We should probably get a move on. We have things to do today—one I’m really not looking forward to. But the other?” I clapped my hands together. “I cannot wait.”

Ash didn’t stand when I did. He remained sitting, and I knew deep in my bones what was coming.

“Nektas,” I said, realizing why he had asked if plans were still a go for today. “You should probably give us a couple of minutes.”

He glanced between us. “I will wait for you both downstairs,” he said, turning to the door.

“There is no need to wait for us.” Ash leaned back on one elbow. To some, he was the picture of lazy indifference, but I could see the tension coiling inside him. “Plans have changed.”

My mouth dropped open.

Nektas stopped.

“Since when have they changed?” I demanded.

His gaze flicked to where I stood. “Since roughly twelve hours ago.”

I crossed my arms. “In other words, since you learned I was pregnant. And what exactly has changed?”

“Everything,” he stated in a tone that would typically brook no argument.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

I took a deep breath. “Ash,” I began as, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nektas quietly creeping toward the doors. “Me being pregnant cannot change what we’ve planned—what we’ve already discussed with the others. Everything is already in motion.”

A muscle began ticking in his jaw as he stared up at me.

“Nor does it change that Kolis needs to be dealt with,” I continued. “And we have very limited time before he comes out of stasis, which could happen at any minute. And the last thing we need is Kolis finding out…”

Gods, I couldn’t finish that thought.

All the flesh visible on Ash’s body briefly turned to midnight. “That will never happen,” he snarled. “But you’re right. Kolis still needs to be dealt with, and he will be. However, that doesn’t and won’t involve you.”

I bristled. “Excuse me?”

“The last thing you need to be involved in, in your current condition—”

“My condition?” I interrupted softly.

“Oh, dear,” murmured Nektas.

“Is to be anywhere near Kolis or any of his supporters.” Ash continued like I hadn’t spoken. “Nor should you even be thinking about leaving the Shadowlands. Kolis will not step foot here, and you’re surrounded by guards and an army.”

I drew in another breath, reminding myself that this was coming from a good place. Ash was being protective. “I understand why you feel this way—”

“Glad we’re on the same page.” A half-smile appeared.

“We are so not on the same page, Ash.”

Wisps of eather swirled in his eyes. “You are carrying our children, Sera. You are in a vulnerable state, and I will not risk losing you or them.”

“You are not going to lose me or them. I’m pregnant, Ash. Not unable to defend myself or fight,” I argued.

“The Healer said you are in a weakened state and should avoid using the essence.”

“Perhaps if you had spent the time listening to Kye instead of growling at him, you would’ve heard him say that was a concern for when I enter the third trimester,” I pointed out. “And in case you’re having difficulty with basic math, that’s like many weeks from now.”

The eather moved more wildly in his eyes. “I heard him perfectly clear. Things are more dangerous for you in the third trimester. That does not mean things are safe for you now.” His head cut toward Nektas. “Where are you going?”