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“You’re allowed to be afraid. But you’re not allowed to check out.” Iryana felt a bit of steel leak into her voice. “Your kids need you, Vabihn. Your wife needs you. You’re going to go in there and be the rock she needs. You’re going to be the best father your kids could have, because you know what? You don’t have a choice. Don’t waste your time worrying if they deserve better or if someone else could do more, because you’re what they have. And you should spend that energy being the best you can for them. You’re going to be scared, and you’re not always going to know what to do, but that’s okay. Your wife just needs you to be there, to try. Love them and do the best you can. And they will love you for it.”
Those words put an unsettled feeling in her gut, but she tried not to think about them too hard. This was about helping her friend.
Vabihn took a slow, shaky breath. “Okay. Yeah.”
“One thing at a time,” she told him. “And you know what that thing is right now?”
His breathing was slowing, his muscles starting to relax. “I need to be brave, be her rock, so she can get through this.”
Iryana nodded. “Exactly. Worry about tomorrow later.”
They rejoined the others when Hadima slipped out of the room. Vabihn instantly tensed.
“She’s going to be alright,” Hadima declared. “But she’s having the baby now.”
Vabihn relaxed instantly and pushed into the room. The others breathed sighs of relief.
Hadima tapped Iryana’s arm. “Iri, can you keep an eye on her? I’m going to go find a midwife to assist.”
Iryana nodded and slipped into the room after Vabihn.
Vabihn was kneeling at the side of the bed, pushing sweaty tendrils of pale blonde hair off Soyara’s face. “She says you’re having the baby now. Are you ready?”
“I’m scared,” Soyara admitted.
“Don’t be scared.” Vabihn smiled encouragingly, his voice was so soft. So gentle. “It’s going to be fine. I’m right here."
“Don’t leave me,” she pleaded, pale cheeks flushed.
Vabihn shook his head. “I’ll be here the entire time.”
Once Hadima and an older midwife arrived, Iryana joined the others in the hall.
They tried to distract themselves despite the tension they all felt. Iryana pretended she didn’t feel small tremors in the ground making their way in despite the earth staff.
They took turns standing watch outside the door, in case they needed something or there was news. Pyetar stopped by, as did Misha and a handful of other soldiers.
Hours later, Soyara gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Hadima stepped outside to share the good news. Word spread quickly, cheers erupting through the tower and spreading outside. Everyone was happy for the news.
When mother and baby had recovered, Hadima sent for Soyara’s sister and Galehna to see them. When they left, Hadima finally let in Iryana and the rest of their friends, who had been waiting anxiously in the hallway.
Soyara looked exhausted but deliriously happy. Vabihn still looked terrified, but he was hiding it better now.
“Congratulations, Vabihn, Soyara,” Pyetar said warmly as he slipped into the room last.
“Do any of you want to hold her?” Soyara asked them.
“I’m much too dirty.” Vaneshta gulped, holding up her hands defensively. She was definitely sweaty, hands filthy from oiling her sword out on the balcony as she waited, but Iryana had a feeling she would have said that regardless.
“Yes, I do!” Pepha declared, scooting past Vaneshta and gently lifting the baby into her arms. “She’s so small.”
“She’s a little early,” Hadima explained, wiping her hands off with some rags. “But she’s strong, she’s going to do great.”
Pepha started rocking the baby, and Soyara smiled. “You’re good with her, Pepha.”
“I love babies,” she answered, grinning at the little face in her arms. “I’ve always wanted to be a mom.”
Iryana looked over just in time to see Mezhimar blushing fiercely. She had to hide her laughter. It was so strange seeing these fierce warriors around such a small, helpless thing. Pyetar’s eyes were brighter than they had been in a long time.
