CH2
A Brother's Love
'Hello, brother.' Nuala greeted her brother outside the entrance of the court hall, several weeks later.
Nuada smiled as he gently embraced his sister, 'Hello, sister, you look well.'
'As do you, brother.' Nuala replied with a smile as she walked with Nuada into the court hall.
Nuada smiled as he called the council meeting to order; he enjoyed having his sister in attendance at council meetings.
He watched as she took a seat on a bench by the wall, her ladies maids, Erehtay and Adella took seats on either side of her on lower benches and Eetah, much to his great surprise, sank gracefully down, in front of Nuala, to sit on the hard stone floor, the skirts of her gown settling about her like a coal grey pool.
He had found some of his councilors reactions to his sister's rounded belly rather amusing, Nuala's relationship with Abraham wasn't very widely known. He was happy that his sister had found a mate that loved her so unconditionally. He had no doubt that his sister would be a wonderful mother, she was kind, gentle, nurturing and so loving. Secretly he was excited about being an uncle.
'I trust Abraham is looking after your health and that of the child's.' Nuada asked several hours later as he walked with Nuala in the garden.
Nuala smiled and gave a soft laugh, 'Yes, Abraham is very attentive to Aidan's health as well as my own.'
Nuada looked at his sister inquisitively, 'Aidan?'
'Yes, that is the name Abraham and I have decided on.' Nuala replied with a fond smile.
As she felt soft kick; she smiled and placed her hand on her belly where the kick originated, he must be restless, she thought as she rubbed her belly with a small smile.
'…I'm bored…' Aidan thought unhappily as he kicked his feet. He could hear sounds but they were faint. 'Maybe mama, will read to me.' he thought hopefully. He wiggled slightly as he turned around. 'Or maybe ada will show me more pictures.' He liked the pictures he saw in his mind, there were so many things, but he didn't really know what they were. His ada had shown him an image of a face when he heard his mother talk and knew that the image must be of his mother.
Nuada nodded. They walked in silence for a few moments before Nuada spoke.
'Will you be returning to the palace for his delivery?'
Nuala sighed softly, 'No, brother. He'll be born at home, with Abraham.'
Nuada gave a sad smile, 'If that is your decision, than so be it.'
'…I'm tired…' Aidan thought sleepily as he popped his thumb into his mouth and let himself fall asleep to the rhythmic movement of his mother walking.