Severus brings me to my mansion the next day around noon. I lean heavily on him, pale and weak.
Tom's there in seconds. The bundle is held to my chest tight. He rushes forwards to see. Severus doesn't let go until Tom holds me up. I move the blanket from the baby's face. I let my head fall back on his chest so I can smile tiredly up at him.
"A..." I take a slow breath. I was still very tired, I haven't slept yet. "Girl. I named her Roselyn Valentine Lothmeirr Riddle."
Tom looks down at the baby in my arms. I smile as I look down at her. She looked like me, but she had his mouth, hair and his slightly darker skin. I was milk white compared to his average skin color. A soft cry comes from her. I smile down at her. Tom looks at me. He had never seen this kind of smile on my face or the love.
"She's beautiful," I say while looking up at Tom.
He looked like he didn't know what to do. He said nothing. I could tell by the soft look in his eyes that he liked her. He lifted me from my feet and let me cradle the baby to my chest as he carried us to our room. He lay me on the bed. I looked at him questioning.
"Narcissa can watch Roselyn while you sleep," he says as Narcissa steps forwards to smile at me before gently taking her from me. I could trust her with Rose while I slept.
I passed out the second Rose left my arms. I didn't dream for once.
I awoke slowly. I was comfortable, warm. I turn and cuddle closer to Tom, resting my head on his chest. I knew he was awake. He was fully clothed. His arm around me tightened comfortingly. A sigh escaped my lips as I my arm draped over his hips held me to him.
"You were never sick."
I listen to it rumble through his chest. I didn't open my eyes yet.
"No," I say softly.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because you would have locked me in the mansion and we wouldn't be this far into your work. I didn't tell anyone."
"Snape knew."
"He was there when I found out," I say, opening my eyes and looking up at him. "He helped me through most of it."
"Why didn't you return here or go to the hospital to have it?"
"I wanted Poppy to deliver my baby. I had asked her when I found out. Poppy's like a mother to me, Tom. I trust her with my life. I wanted the one doctor I trusted to do it."
He sighed, accepting my explanations. His hand gently swept my hair from my face.
"You're not mad about me not sleeping with you for that time?"
"No. Now that I know why. Next time tell me."
I look away from him quickly, hiding my look from him. He frowns as he looks down at me.
"We have to have a son," he says sternly.
My small hands grip his shirt while I hide my tearing eyes in his shirt, my hair falling over my face.
"Don't be childish, Ethriana," he chides.
I push away from him sharply. I avoid looking at him as I stand and stagger to the bathroom. I can feel him frowning at my back.
"Roselyn must not be enough for you then," I whisper softly before shutting the door and locking it.
I sit by the large window of Roselyn's room, rocking her as she eats. I smile down at her as I breast feed her. Severus is sitting on the couch across from me, reading one of my books with my notes in it. The door opens slowly. Severus glances over, behind me to look. He frowns openly at the person. It was no secret that Severus was my closest friend. Not many knew that I saw him as a brother.
"Ethriana."
Severus turns back to the book. I sternly ignore him as I brush Rose's face softly. She paused for a moment for a breath before drinking once more.
"Ethriana, you know I care for Rose."
"Then why have you avoided her for the last month?" I ask softly, not wishing to disturb Rose.
"I'm a busy man."
I say nothing. The silence gets to him.
"Why don't you wish for another child, Ethriana?" he demands with a light growl.
Severus almost throws the book as he snaps it shut to sneer at Tom.
"Because she almost died trying to have the child she now holds," Severus sneers. "It was a miracle either of them lived! If she has another she will surely die!"
Severus puts the book down as he goes to push on.
"Severus," I say softly.
He stops, all anger leaving instantly. He looks at me softly. I had tears in my eyes.
"I'm sorry, Riana. I shouldn't have said-"
"It's fine. He would have found out eventually. Just go find something to calm down. Try that making potion I told you of."
He nods before leaving. I burp Rose before cradling her to my chest to hum her to sleep. Tom says nothing while he watches. He knew better than to wake her. I stand slowly and place her in her crib. Tom follows me from the room. He grips my chin once we get in the hall and turns my face to look up at him. There were light tears in my eyes. He softens.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"What is there to tell? I survived and so did Rose. There's nothing more."
"Why didn't you tell me you couldn't have another? I thought you didn't want another."
"I've always wanted four, Tom. But my boby is too small. I should have known. But who thinks about it when they wish only to please their husband and have a house full of laughing children?"
That's something I'll never have. More children.