Rena rubbed her husband's back, as he threw up everything in his stomach. Again. This had been happening more and more frequently lately. The curse that had been inflicted on him was at its final stage, and they would soon have to part till she herself was finally allowed to rest.
Just the fact that she had managed with Astaria's help to prolong his second stage to a ten year span of time was a huge feat. And the fact that even now, except for moments like this, he functioned at a pretty good capacity was also amazing.
He sighed, and stood up, a bit shakily and went about cleaning himself up before dropping a kiss on her forehead affectionately.
"You okay?" She asked quietly running her hand through his shaggy hair.
"Yeah." He smiled at her and then dropped his head onto her shoulder. "I'm all good. No way am I going to keel over before I at least get to hold our baby."
"I should hope not." She said, a ping of worry going through her.
"Speaking of which, shouldn't you be resting? You're six months along already." Zilanius looked up and scolded her. Rather gently, though with worry evident in his eyes.
She chuckled, "I've told you, I've maneuvered my mana to completely be surrounding the child. Perks of my bloodline. Childbearing is rather easy for us."
He looked skeptical so she assured him, "I'm not just saying that because of your condition my love. It's true."
"You're bloodline is truly amazing." He sighed.
"Eh, it has its weaknesses. Getting to a powerful position within my order with such a bloodline wasn't easy. My –" Here she choked. Even now it was hard to talk of Ryliah. She hurt so much at what had happened, at what that girl had wrought through her arrogance and desire for power. At what she had put in motion. And yet, she still loved her. For Ryliah would always be her little sister.
She sighed heavily. Zilanius, bless him, didn't press her to continue speaking. He just wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. She had never known anyone be so tuned into another's feelings as he was to hers. He always seemed to know exactly when grief was overcoming her and to answer by giving her the quiet affection that she needed. He was such a good husband to her.
She would miss him when he was gone.
At the unwanted thought, she clung to him tighter. As the time drew perceivably nearer, she couldn't block it out as well. He might be able to survive for five more years at most – if he absolutely did not use any magic.
But she might have to part with him before then anyway. Because of what she had to do. He knew as well of course, she had not kept it from him. They didn't talk about it though, both of them wanted to live for as long as possible in the dream of a healthy family that would be together forever.