Page 117 of Royal Deception

I nod, my fingers clutching his hand so tightly I’m sure I’m hurting him, but he doesn’t let go. His hand is a steady anchor in the storm of pain, his presence unwavering.

I try to focus on him, on his voice, and it’s enough to get me through the worst of the pain. Each time the wave of paincrashes over me, I squeeze his hand harder, my breath coming in sharp gasps, and Rory’s voice never falters.

“You’re doing so well, Clary,” he says, his voice laced with that commanding tone he uses when he wants to calm me down. “You’re going to be okay. We’re almost there. Just one more push, baby, you’ve got this.”

I try to take a deep breath, forcing my body to relax even as the pain continues to pulse in waves. But Rory’s voice is steady, always steady, and it’s the one thing that keeps me going.

“That's it, just like that. Clary, you're amazing.”

I rest back against the pillows, trying to gather my breath, but the tension still hums in my muscles, the anticipation of what’s to come next keeping my heart racing. Rory is right beside me, watching me with that look of fierce pride, like he can’t believe how strong I am. Like he knew all along that I could do this.

“You’re incredible,” he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair away from my forehead.

He’s about to say something else when his phone buzzes. He looks down at it for a second before pressing a button.

“I’ll be right back, love. Just breathe. Stay with me.”

I nod, closing my eyes for a moment, just focusing on the sound of his voice, the steady rhythm of his breathing. It feels like everything in the room falls away, just the two of us for a heartbeat. But then, I hear Rory speak again, his voice soft but urgent.

“Miranda, hey. We’re at the hospital. Clary’s in labor.”

The pain comes again, and I bite my lip to hold back a groan, but Rory is right there, holding my hand, letting me squeeze as hard as I need to.

“Yeah,” Rory says into the phone. “She’s strong, but this is going fast. I’m staying right here with her. She’s doing great.”

He pauses for a moment, listening before his voice softens again, this time with a slight grin in his voice.

“Yeah, I’m sure she’d love to hear from you. Give me a second.”

Rory puts the phone on speaker and places it between us. I blink at the phone, too exhausted to fully process what's happening, but then Miranda’s voice comes through loud and clear.

“Clary, darling, how are you doing?” Miranda’s voice is warm, comforting, and I immediately feel a sense of relief wash over me just hearing it. “You’re an absolute goddess. I hope you know that.”

I give a small smile, though it’s more of a grimace as another contraction hits.

“I’m surviving,” I say between breaths, my voice shaky. “It’s… it’s not easy.”

“You’re stronger than you think, honey,” Miranda reassures me. “You can get through this. And when you do, I’ve got a little surprise for you. Something to help you recover.”

My heart flutters at the thought, and I find myself clinging to that image of something good waiting for me when this is over.

“I can’t wait,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

Miranda chuckles softly, her voice filled with warmth. “I’m sure it’ll make you feel a lot better. But first, focus on what’s in front of you. You’re going to be okay. Just breathe through it. I’m so proud of you.”

Tears sting my eyes, and I swallow hard. “Thanks, Miranda.”

She pauses for a moment, then adds, “And once that little one is here, I’m spoiling them rotten. That’s a promise.”

I laugh softly despite the pain, my heart lightening a little. The thought of her holding my son, caring for him, makes me feel a sense of calm I didn’t know I could feel right now.

“I’ll hold you to that,” I say, squeezing Rory’s hand again, grateful for the support, both from him and from Miranda.

“Of course you will,” Miranda replies, and I can almost hear her smile. “You’re a tough cookie, Clary. Just keep going. You’re almost there.”

And with those final words of reassurance, I feel myself settle into the rhythm of it all, holding on to Rory’s hand, his presence grounding me as I focus on the task ahead.

It feels like forever, but a few hours later, with one final push, our baby bursts onto the scene with a loud, lusty cry.