The pain subsided momentarily, allowing me to catch my breath. I looked up at Sir Kaelen's stunned face, his mouth hanging slightly open as he processed my condition.
"Your Grace, forgive my bluntness, but you shouldn't be anywhere near this conflict," Sir Kaelen said, his voice a mixture of awe and concern. He helped me to a more comfortable position against the boulder.
"I had no choice," I replied, wincing as another twinge—milder this time—passed through me. "The Duke... my husband... he needs help."
Cassian knelt beside us, his worried gaze fixed on my belly. "I believe it may have been the shock of the attack, Your Grace. The pains—are they still coming regularly?"
I focused inward, waiting. When no further contractions followed, I shook my head. "They seem to be fading. False alarm, perhaps."
