Clara lay on the bed, gripping the mattress so hard that her knuckles turned white. Her face was drenched, and her hair was plastered to her skin.
“Oh, ye brave woman,” Lily cooed, stepping inside.
Clara lifted her head as they entered. “Me Lady?” Her voice cracked. “What are ye doing here?”
“That doesnae matter,” Lily said softly, moving closer. “What matters is delivering yer child safely.”
“But the men—” Clara began, her voice trembling.
“Damn the men,” Lily cut her off. “Tell me, how far apart are the pains?”
Clara gasped for breath. “Every few minutes. Close now.”
“Good.” Lily nodded, though her heart pounded. “Soon, ye’ll need to push.”
Brigid stepped forward, her hands shaking. “What can I do to help?”
“Aye,” Conall piped up, sword still in hand, his gaze flicking to the windows. “What of me?”
Lily turned to Brigid. “Find the kitchen. Bring back as much hot water and clean cloth as ye can carry.”
Brigid nodded briskly.
Lily then turned to Conall. “I need ye outside this door. Stand guard.”
Conall gave a short nod and stepped into the corridor.
Brigid glanced back, her eyes settling on Clara. “Where’s the kitchen?”
“Second door to the right,” Clara panted.
Brigid hurried off, and the door closed behind them.
Lily leaned against it for the briefest of moments, trying her best to steady her breathing.
“It’s been a hard day for ye, has it nae, me Lady?” Clara whispered.
Lily managed a tight smile. “Aye. And if I ken anything about me luck, the hardest part’s still ahead.”
Clara tried to laugh, but a guttural groan tore out of her instead. She doubled over, crying out.
Lily hurried to her side and clasped her arm. “Easy now. Breathe through it. Ye’re nae alone.”
Another scream tore from Clara’s throat. “Oh, this is torture.”
“It just means it’s coming and we cannae wait anymore.”
Clara looked up at Lily, her exhaustion evident.
“I need ye to be strong one more time, do ye understand me?”
CHAPTER 34
A quiet knockon the door broke the tension.
“Enter,” Alasdair said, still eyeing each and every man on his council for the slightest tell that they were involved in this.
The maid that Alasdair had asked to look for Nathan stepped into the room, wringing her hands.
