Page 15 of Home (Haven #7)

Mirilla stepped into the corridor leading to the medical suite on the third floor of the palace. In her hands she carried a basket filled with a selection of fruits, flowers, and sweets she’d personally put together for the Sirena. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Please…” she whispered. Realizing that one word could apply for so many different things, she didn’t even try to fill in the details. It could be please let the youngling be strong and healthy. It could be please let the Sirena recover quickly. It could be please let all the stresses of the birth melt away leaving nothing but happiness behind as quickly as possible. It could mean please don’t let anyone notice she’d spent the night with Bart. Please don’t let them care if they had noticed. Please don’t let Bart be angry with me. Please let him still want me. Please let me still hold my position here in the palace. “Just, please,” she whispered. She left the words hanging there, her statement unfinished as she pasted her usual smile on her lips and started down the corridor. Only a minute later she came within view of the security detail standing outside the medical suite and realized at once that they must have been part of the security forces that moved planet side with the Sire and Sirena — she was not familiar with them at all.

“Good morning,” she said pleasantly.

Neither guard spoke. She wasn’t surprised — she’d not been properly introduced. They didn’t know who she was. “I’m Mirilla. Head of Staff for the palace and lady in waiting to our Sovereigna.”

Both males at least turned their attention to her.

“Can we help you?” one of them asked.

“I’ve brought gifts for our Sirena.”

“We can give them to her,” the other guard said .

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to give them to her personally. Is it possible for you to find out if I may be admitted?”

The guards shared a look, the smaller guard on the left shrugged.

The larger, tattooed and pierced guard on the right sighed. “I’ll ask.”

Mirilla smiled at the smaller guard while they waited for the larger guard to return. “Have you been with our Sire and Sirena long?” she asked.

The male turned suspicious eyes on her, seeming to take her measure from head to toe. “Have you?” he asked.

“I, eh, no. I serve our Sovereigna, not our Sire and Sirena.”

“Hmm,” was his only response.

The door opened and the tatted and pierced male reappeared. He stepped out and took his place by the door.

Mirilla looked back and forth between the two males, not sure if she should try to enter the medical suite or not.

Neither said a word, and both stared straight ahead.

“Well, may I enter?” she finally asked, with just barely a hint of exasperation in her voice.

“They didn’t say you couldn’t,” the tatted male answered.

“What does that mean?” Mirilla asked.

“I suppose you may enter,” the tatted male said, still staring straight ahead.

“Thank you!” she said, still eyeing both males, unsure of their behavior.

She stepped up to the door and quickly opened it and disappeared inside.

Li’Don glanced at Ba Re’ who couldn’t hide his smirk. “What was that all about?”

“Just a bit of mischief while we stand guard,” Ba Re’ said.

“You’re becoming too much like Rokai, I do believe,” Li'Don said with a chuckle.

“There’s a bit of freedom to his approach,” Ba Re’ said.

“I’m sure there is,” Li'Don said, still laughing.

They stood quietly for a few seconds before Li'Don turned his head to look at Ba Re’ once more. “Did you smell her? ”

Ba Re’ grinned. “If I was blind, I’d have thought Chairman Bartholomew stood before us.”

“Hope she’s not trying to hide their tryst.”

“Tryst? I’m fairly certain for the scent to be that strong, they’re mated,” Ba Re’ said.

“Do human males mate their females like we do?” Li'Don asked.

Ba Re’ thought about it. “I don’t know. I shall ask my Ehlealah.”

~~~

Mirilla stepped just inside the small receiving offices of the medical suite and came to a complete stop. The room was filled with security forces for both the Sovereign, Sovereigna, Sire and Sirena, and with doctors and nurses.

“I’m here to see the Sirena,” Mirilla said.

“Mirilla?! Is that you?” the Sovereigna called out from down the hallway.

“Yes, Sovereigna. It’s me,” Mirilla called back. She smiled at one of Sovereigna Eula’s guards and stepped past him.

He inclined his head at her and gestured down the hall.

“Thank you,” she said.

He nodded at her and went back to his serious stature as a force to be reckoned with.

Mirilla followed the sound of voices until she found what she knew to be the head physician’s office now converted to a hospital room. She stopped just inside the door, a smile plastered on her face for so long now that her cheeks were beginning to cramp.

“Mirilla! There you are!” the Sovereigna said, sitting in a chair next to Vivian’s bed.

“Sovereigna. My apologies for my late arrival, and for missing your breakfast this morning. ”

“Oh, don’t give it another thought. Chairman Bartholomew and his father have told us what a comfort you were to them overnight. How thoughtful of you to go to them when you heard Vivian was in labor. Then to take the time to leave instruction for all who expected to convene with you at breakfast this morning… I’m impressed.”

Mirilla smiled and nodded, feeling horrible for the deception.

“Oh, she was definitely a comfort and a welcome distraction,” Samuel said. “Don’t you agree, Bart?”

Bart smiled tightly. “Without a doubt.”

Vivian was reclining in her bed, having been moved from the birthing platform to a more comfortable, actual bed. Quin stood next to her.

“I’ve brought you some of the fruits and sweets I most favor. I thought you might enjoy them,” Mirilla said.

“You didn’t have to do that, Mirilla. But thank you, I appreciate the effort,” Vivian said tiredly.

It was clear that Mirilla didn’t know who to hand the basket to, and just about every surface in the room was taken up by someone sitting on it, or something having been placed on it.”

Au'revele who’d been sitting quietly beside the Sovereigna got up and walked over to Mirilla. “May I take it for you?” she asked, reaching for the basket.

“Please,” Mirilla said. “Thank you, Au'revele.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, flashing a quick smile at her over her shoulder as she placed the basket on the bed for Vivian to look through.

“Oh, these smell delicious,” Vivian said, holding a round piece of fruit near her nose and inhaling. “Like vanilla,” she said.

“They’re one of my favorites, and the elders of our people say they have healing properties. They’re popular with new mothers after giving birth.”

“I’m going to have one right now,” Vivian said. “Do I need to wash it or peel it or something first?”

“I’ve already prepared them to be eaten. They’ve all been cleaned and are ready as they are,” Mirilla said .

Vivian took a bite of the fruit and moaned appreciatively. “This is my new favorite,” she said, taking another bite.

“I’ll have some more harvested for you,” Quin said, leaning over to take a bite of the fruit himself.

“Tastes like honeysuckle and caramel with a splash of vanilla,” Vivian said.

“We’ll have to try some of those for ourselves,” Bart said. “Sounds delicious.”

“I can bring some to the royal residence for you,” Mirilla said.

“Thank you,” Samuel said.

“We wouldn’t want to interfere with your duties. We can find some on our own,” Bart said, staring right at Mirilla.

Vivian watched the friction developing between Bart and Mirilla, then shared a look with Quin to see if he noticed.

“Have you seen our Alexandrus yet?” Sovereigna Eula asked Mirilla.

“I have the announcement. It is perfect. It conveys the bond between our Sire, Sirena, and their Alexandrus. Any whose heart wasn’t touched by it surely cannot have a heart,” Mirilla said.

“Perfectly said,” Eula agreed. “Come see him in person. He is perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

Mirilla hesitated.

“You’re welcome to see him, but if you’re uncomfortable, don’t feel like you must,” Vivian said, already working on her second piece of fruit.

Mirilla had to pass very near Bart to get to the baby, and though it made her apprehensive at what his response might be, she refused to be cowed by him. She squeezed past him and leaned near Eula. “He is perfect. You have a beautiful grandson, Sovereigna,” Mirilla said.

“I know,” Eula said joyously.

Sovereign Zha Tahl laughed. “You may not ever get him back, Vivian.”

“Oh, she’ll give him back as soon as he growls at her. He can be quite testy when he’s hungry,” Vivian said, smiling lovingly at her son .

“What are these flowers?” Vivian asked, looking through the basket Mirilla had brought her.

“They’re called Heart of The Warrior, and are representative of males born this time of year. They are said to bring strength, courage and luck in battle to all born during the season they bloom in.”

“They’re beautiful!” Vivian said, more closely examining the deep red flowers. They were reminiscent of hibiscus from Earth, but smaller and such a dark red they almost appeared black. When touched, they felt like velvet in texture. “I want to save some of them as a reminder of the gifts he received on the day he was born. Can they be preserved?”

“I will have some encased in crystal for you, daughter,” Eula said.

“I would love that,” Vivian said.

“I’m honored to have gifted you something you’ve enjoyed so much,” Mirilla said.

“It’s my turn, I wish to hold Alexandrus before I must return to the never-ending vidcoms awaiting me,” Zha Tahl said.

“I’m not done,” Eula said.

“Eula, Ehlealah…”

“Fine, but you must sit down,” Eula instructed.

She stood so that her mate could have her seat, then carefully placed Alexandrus in Zha Tahl’s arms.

Quin lifted Vivian’s hand to his lips and gently kissed it as his father held their son and whispered to him a promise that he would always be safe and loved. It was quite a contrast to see the leader of Cruestace, strong and intimidating, gently holding the next of his line who would one day take his and his son’s places as Sovereign of Cruestace.

Alexandrus opened his eyes and gazed up at Zha Tahl when Zha Tahl spoke to him.

Zha Tahl stroked the baby’s head with a fingertip, which of course, resulted in a growl from Alexandrus.

Zha Tahl was delighted, laughed heartily, and stroked his head again to see if he could get another growl from him. “He is just like you were, Quin. ”

“I hope he’s better than I in everything,” Quin said.

Vivian yawned and handed the rest of her half-eaten fruit to Quin.

“You should sleep, Ehlealah,” Quin said.

“Yes, she should, and we should all let her sleep,” Eula said.

“You don’t have to go,” Vivian said.

“But we do, dear. You need to rest. I’ll go get some rest myself. I was here all night,” Eula said. “Will you be taking some time to rest, or will you be returning to work, Mirilla?”

“I’ve far too much to do to rest. I’ll be going right back to work,” Mirilla said.

“I’ll be returning to my office attending to all I’ve ignored last night and this morning,” Zha Tahl said, standing and looking for someone to hand the baby off to.

“Samuel?” Vivian said.

Samuel smiled and eagerly took Zha Tahl’s place. Zha Tahl handed the baby to Samuel and stood back to admire the sight of Samuel holding Vivian’s child. “It is a miracle that he’s here at all,” Zha Tahl said, thinking of all Vivian had to survive to be able to conceive him.

“It truly is,” Samuel said. He looked down into the baby’s eyes. “Alexandrus. What a perfect name for a perfect child.”

Alexandrus looked at the man holding him, and rather than growl at him, he reached out an unsteady arm, trying to touch him.

“Hello, little man,” Samuel said. Falling into the baby talk that most adults adopt when speaking to a baby.

“They are proud, Vivian,” Bart said, reaching out to extend his finger to see if Alexandrus would grip it as most babies would.

Vivian looked at Bart, her own lips pressed together, trying to hold back tears as she watched Samuel holding her child, wondering what her uncles would have thought about him. “Do you think so?”

“Without a doubt,” Bart said firmly. “We are all proud of Alexandrus, and of you. ”

“We are all blessed with you,” Samuel said, lifting the baby to press a kiss to his forehead.

Alexandrus grabbed a handful of Samuel’s silver and dark gray curls, causing Samuel to laugh.

“A little help,” Samuel said, laughing, unable to lower the baby back to a comfortable position since he’d latched on to the hair he held.

Quin very gently released Alexandrus’ fingers from the hold they had on Samuel’s hair, then took the baby in his arms. “There, you are free,” Quin said to Samuel while grinning at his son.

“We’re going to find a way to busy ourselves, as well,” Samuel said. “We’ll be back to visit this afternoon.”

“If you need anything, Vivi and Quin, just send for us,” Bart said.

“Feel free to send for me as well, Sirena. I’ll be on duty for the rest of the day,” Mirilla said.

“Thank you all, but I’m sure I’ll be fine. Quin will be here, and Au'revele as well,” Vivian said. “Go! Go enjoy yourselves, go about your day. We’ll be fine. If you see Kitty, tell him to go home at least.”

“He’s not been underfoot much,” Eula said.

“He’s loving roaming around outside. He’s never had the chance to do so,” Vivian said.

“I’m sure he’ll show up when he gets hungry,” Quin said.

“Oh, yes,” Vivian agreed yawning again.

“We’ll see you later,” Bart said, maneuvering around everyone to kiss Vivian’s forehead, with Samuel right behind him. “We’ll be back this afternoon, Vivian.”

Vivian smiled up at Bart. “I should be back home in a day or two. Until then come visit as much as you like.”

“We will. I’ll see you soon,” Bart promised. He and Samuel left without Bart casting so much as a glance in Mirilla’s direction.

Eula and Zha Tahl both kissed her and took their leave as well, with Mirilla in tow .

Au'revele sat down in the chair closest to Vivian, watching Quin with his son.

With everyone setting out for wherever they were headed, they were finally alone except for Vivian’s security just outside her room, and inside the reception area of the medical suite, plus Ba Re’ and Li'Don outside the front doors of medical, and Au'revele.

Vivian yawned repeatedly as she fidgeted in her bed, causing Quin to hand Alexandrus to Au'revele. As soon as he was sure Au'revele had him securely in her arms, he turned back to Vivi and helped her get rearranged and more comfortable. “There, is that better?” he asked.

“Yes, almost.” She said, looking around him to Au'revele. “I told them you’d be here so they’d wouldn’t worry about me not having anyone to help me, and they’d leave, but you need to go get some rest, too, Au'revele.”

“Sirena, I’m here to help with your baby. I can’t help if I’m not here.”

“And all we’re going to do right now is rest and take care of him. I’ll need you alert later when we come back to our rooms,” Vivian said.

“Are you sure, Sirena? I have no issue staying.”

“Quin, are you going to work?” Vivian asked.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Quin answered forcefully.

“You see? And I have nurses here if I need one. Take advantage of the opportunity and go get some rest while you can. Come back later this evening, or better yet, in the morning. But get yourself something to eat and spend time just relaxing, and hopefully sleeping. You’ve been here with me since we arrived and you’re about to be very, very busy.”

“I hate to leave you,” Au'revele said.

“Bye. Go to sleep,” Vivian said grinning at her.

“If you’re sure, Sirena.”

“I’m sure.”

“Very well. I’ll be back in the morning,” Au'revele said. “But if you need me sooner, send someone to get me. I’ll be here in a flash. ”

“And you rest, too. I know you, and you’re going to try to do everything yourself when you get home.”

“Not everything. Just a lot of it,” Vivian said, smiling. “But I promise, you’ll be involved probably more than we both realize until I’m no longer feeling so drained.”

“You just gave birth, Sirena. I mean, Vivian. It is to be expected.”

Vivian yawned again.

“I’ll see you in the morning if you don’t call for me before that,” Au'revele said, giving Vivian a little wave as she left the room.

Vivian waited just a few minutes, then called for Zahn.

“I need you, Zahn!”

Quin looked questioningly at Vivian.

She winked at him.

“Yes, Sirena,” Zahn said, stepping inside her room.

“I’ve sent Au'revele home to rest, with instructions that she is to eat first. Please make sure that she gets there safely.”

“Yes, Sirena,” Zahn said, hurriedly leaving the room to catch up with Au'revele.

“Still trying to get them together?”

“I need Au'revele safe. She’s my nanny.”

“True, but there are other warriors out there. Zahn is somewhat defiant when it comes to her. What will happen if another shows interest and he is protecting her? I don’t even think he knows what he wants.”

Vivian shrugged. “Zahn will not be able to function properly until he actually claims her. He needs to at least be near her until then. Once he claims her he won’t be so worried about her coming into contact with other warriors. Of course, her safety will still be his priority, but he won’t be so worried about someone else claiming her if he already has. Perhaps it will move things along if he happens to see others are taking notice of her.”

“Let’s hope it’s soon,” Quin said. “And not to change the subject, but I believe that Mirilla and Bart are at odds with each other. ”

“I thought I picked up on something, too!” Vivian exclaimed. “I wonder if they’ve had a falling out or something.”

“She smells like Bart.”

“Does he smell like her?” Vivian asked.

“I’m not sure. I’ve never paid much attention to the way she smells. But I know Bart’s scent and I was surprised to see them at odds after realizing she smells like him.”

“Well, obviously they care. You aren’t usually caught in the middle of an emotional issue if there aren’t emotions involved.”

“I detected lies from both Samuel and Bart when they said she kept them calm and reassured about you and Alexandrus all night.”

“So, where was she, then?” Vivian asked.

“I have no idea. But at some point I have no doubt she was with Bart. Something happened since then, or maybe while they were together that has caused a rift between them.”

“I wish I knew what was going on,” Vivian said.

“I’m sure they’ll work it out, or not. Either way we have no part in it.”

“I hope they work it out. He seemed so happy with her yesterday,” Vivian said.

“He did. I will admit that.”

Vivian relaxed into her pillows and closed her eyes. “Can I hold him?” she asked without opening her eyes.

“Of course,” Quin said, laying the baby on her chest where he immediately snuggled against his mother.

“He’s perfect, isn’t he?” Vivian said.

“He is the most perfect,” Quin agreed as he pulled the bassinet closer, then lay down on the bed beside Vivian. “When you’re ready for me to put him in his bed, let me know.”

“I love you,” she whispered as he lay beside her and placed an arm around her and Alexandrus.

“I love you,” he answered, kissing her head as he started to relax since the first moment he realized he had to hurriedly get her to medical the night before.