The Prince's Gift

Chapter 56.

Ana's POV

I hadn't gotten much sleep after I'd returned from speaking with Zane. Ehren had been waiting for me and as soon as the shock had worn off, I crumbled against him the second his arms wrapped around me. I couldn't bring myself to talk to him about it. I couldn't go over it again knowing that no matter what I did, my child and I would die. If he was anything like Zane, he would have already sensed the same change in me anyway.

I'd asked to sleep alone, and it took everything I had to try and ignore the flash of hurt that crossed his eyes the moment I'd asked. It had been no help since I was left only to stare up at the glowing blue ceiling of the cave and remember the times I'd been here, and all those that had lead me to this moment. I couldn't help but let he anxious energy eat at me, regardless of how hard I tried to ignore it. I couldn't help but let the tears fall as my hand was held gently against my stomach for the entire night.

As I walked out of the cave this morning, I decided I needed to embrace the tight bundle of energy that was beginning to consume me, let it fuel me even. If today was my last day of this world, then I'd known more love and life in recent weeks than I could have ever dreamed, and that was enough. My deepest regret was that no matter what, no path lead to the salvation of the tiny life growing inside of me.

I shook away the painful thoughts as I pulled my focus forward, meeting the rest of the group outside of the cave. We began the short walk toward the tree line to wait, watching closely for any sign of movement and distress.

As I walked by a small group gathering amongst themselves, I felt a strong hand lace into mine and gently tug me around as I was pulled around a tree into Ehren's firm chest. I let out a breath in surprise as his hand reached up to tangle into my hair at the side of my neck, his thumb stroking along my jaw. His piercing electric blue orbs captured mine and I felt my body relax slightly in his hold.

"Are you ok?" He asked, his expression serious as he watched me.

I reached up to hold his hand beneath mine as I leaned into him, nodding slowly. "As much as I can be, I suppose." I answered honestly.

His head leaned down to rest against mine as he breathed me in. His face was pulled into a frown as his eyes kept dropping quick glances between our bodies. I sighed knowingly, my hand coming to rest against my stomach.

"I already know Ehren. You don't have to tell me." I said softly.

He pulled back slightly, a muscle in his jaw clenching as he stared down at me. His expression softened as he appeared pulled into deep thought before slowly exhaling. "What am I supposed to do with this Ana? What do you need from me?" His voice was cracking and I could tell he was straining to hold his emotions in check.

"I just need you with me like you promised." I said after a moment, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall yet again.

His grip tightened only slightly as his body tensed. "But what if the child is..." he started and I already knew his question, having already heard the very same one from Zane only hours earlier. The worst of my thoughts were spent the night before thinking of the third and most terrible alternative.

I shook my head and cupped his cheek to pull his attention back to the task at hand. "Just as you promised me Ehren."

It was taking every ounce of strength I possessed not to fall apart right there in his arms, but I couldn't. The time for that was past and now I had to keep my people and those I cared about safe.

He sighed before leaning down to kiss me tenderly, breathing only one word against my lips before pulling away. "Okay."

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