Unlike the Upper House where very few members of each faction are represented. All creatures have their unique way of ruling their people. The vampires through collective agreement created a Lower House to discuss issues strictly concerning all vampires led currently by Eric Manchester.
To avoid having too much of power concentrated on one person, due to a painful past experience, it was decided that even if one of their members become the leader in the Upper House, that wouldn't give the person automatic power to be the leader in the Lower House. They would be accorded the respect and be carried along on matters from the lower house but they would not be actively involved in decision making, however, their suggestions and contribution would be sought when necessary.
As Nickolai listened to Eric's report of the meeting from the lower house while digesting one of his men's report concerning the demon king. He had been busy keeping a trail on Damien who had fallen out with his brother.
The Demon king was not without an ally, searching for the Eye himself, word reaching him was that Damien, the Demon king suspected that Richard might possess the Eye for himself, which was why he decided to look for it.
"Are you even listening to what I was saying?" Eric looked at his friend who had a distant look on him.
Nickolai sighed, "I'm listening, I'm just a little bit preoccupied with Damien and all"
"Is he still looking for the Eye?"
"Yes, he has cut ties with Richard, wanting to search for it himself"
"Speaking of your brother, how is he and the new baby?"
"They are all right. I heard he has been busy dorting over his son, the heir of the Orsini"
"Oh, I hear that is what he's been telling people who cares to listen"
More concerned about Damien, "any word from your men about a possible lead Damien might have found?"
"None"
Suddenly, they heard a piercing shriek which made them jumped to their feet.
In seconds, the room was empty as they both fled to the direction it came from.
Lying in the garden was Aliona, her arms cradled her belly as she heaved in pain, Vivian was beside herself with worry.
"I think the baby is coming" Vivian spoke as she showed them Ali's wet dress.
Swiftly, Nickolai picked her up and disappeared into the chamber which has been prepared for the delivery of the baby.
Aliona's thought went back to that night, her heart broke as she experienced the beginning of the pain the woman must had gone through.
Nickolai spoke soothing words to her as he brushed her hair back, allowing in more fresh air. He rubbed her stomach, trying different ways to comfort her.
The scurrying feet of the midwives made him turned, letting go of her hands, he moved to allow them space. As he closed the door to face Eric who had been agitated as well, they both heard a gasp as the midwives suck in their breath.
Nickolai pushed the door opened, his eyes went wild as he saw so many welts on her stomach. Her large tummy had so much red marks that one would think she was beaten on her stomach.
Never had anyone in the room seen something like this before seeing the stretch in their eye sockets.
"Get Brenda here now" Nickolai bellowed at Eric who didn't need to be told twice before disappearing.
"What's happening? Is something wrong with my baby?" In panic, Aliona tried to sit up to see what they were all staring at, "why do we need to call Brenda?"
"I'll be right back" Nickolai was back in a flash, holding the salve, he rubbed it on her stomach, watching as the redness reduced.
The midwives stepped forward a little, one of them placed a wet towel on Ali's forehead to calm her while the other adjusted her to the right position, fit to birth a child.
"I hear you seek my presence"
Shifting his body to allow her see his reason for calling for her urgently, Nickolai studied her face intently, trying to read her expression.
Brenda watched the scene before her eyes, not giving away a thing through her expression as usual, knowing she could only be able to do little which is to reduce the pain for a while and ease the child bearing process, she placed her hands on Aliona's huge belly, sapping as much pain as she could.
Nickolai watched Brenda as she grunted in pain with her eyes closed, the veins on her arms turned black then red afterwards, seeing the visible changes on his wife's stomach as he watched her sighed a breath of relief and the disappearance of the red marks.
Brenda stood and pushed Nickolai towards the door, " if you could step out for some moments and allow the women and I assist Lady Aliona" Brenda pulled the door shut after.
"What is going on? Is everything all right?"
Nickolai looked at his friend who has concern and worry written all over his face, along with Vivian and Herbert. The Manor had become tense, he was sure everyone was concerned for their mistress.
"I hope so" thinking back at the strange marks.
Eric knew what Nickolai needed at that moment was someone to assure him, "don't worry too much my friend, everything will work out well. You need to see me when Jasmine was in labour, I almost peed my pants" he squeezed his shoulder for comfort as they all waited.Nickolai wouldn't stop pacing, the more he heard the cry and shriek of his wife, the faster he paced.
Aliona's thoughts had been going back and forth, from the image which had been hunting her and the thought of delivering on time because of the pain she was going through.
"You're almost there, keep pushing" one of the midwives cooed as they scurried around, she put the cloth which had fallen off, back into Aliona's mouth to bite. Aliona's arms were getting slack, she had used all her vampire strength, hoping it would help her push the baby out but all to no avail, it was as if the baby wouldn't budge.
Brenda stood from the corner she had been concocting a special potion, she urged Aliona to drink.
With less regard to the foul smell for she was ready for whatever it is that would make her baby come out on time and she was getting tired, she gulped the potion.
Jerking as she felt the effect of the potion, like a bolt of lightning running through her, Aliona felt an unimaginable pain at her lower abdomen, she cried out in pain as the baby slipped out. Feeling like a boulder tore its way out of her body, the relief which came afterwards was blissful.
The cry of her baby soothed her ears, within seconds, the door burst opened and Nickolai and Eric rushed in, the midwives quickly shielded Aliona from being seen in her state.
"Now that you've seen everything is all right, could you please leave so we can clean up. The more you waste time, the longer it takes to have your son in your arms"
Nickolai sighed with relief as he saw his wife's tired face who smiled weakly to tell him she was all right. Without further delay, he pulled Eric with him and left to break the good news to everyone.