Chapter 27 - Arrival

Recommended for mature audiences only. Some content is not suitable for young readers.

(Updated for errors & minor content – 23/Dec/2020)

Please note, this story has been completed. I have removed the remaining chapters as they are currently undergoing revisions. Chapters are being re-uploaded one-by-one upon completion. Reviews are still absolutely welcome!

Catriona moved her hands along Snow's belly, feeling for the position of the baby. "The babe is droppin', Yer Majesty. It willnae be long now. A few days to a week I would say, but anythin' is possible now."

Snow swallowed nervously. She'd sent a messenger to Eric two weeks ago, and was growing very anxious for Eric's return. The hours and days had ticked by so slowly, she was sure she was losing her mind.

When the messenger boy finally returned and informed her that Eric was merely two days behind him, she was overjoyed. The next two days however, proved to be the longest of Snow's life.

Early on the morning of the second day, Snow woke to the chill of a breeze drifting through the window. She rose from her bed, as fast as her large stomach would allow her, and walked to the window. The sky was grey, and dark storm clouds threatened from above. Shivering, she stepped away and pulled on a thick woolen robe.

Rubbing her hands together for warmth, Snow walked across the chamber to where a beautiful crib stood at the foot of her bed. She had only put it there the day before. She ran her fingers over the smooth white oak and gold trim. Decorative carvings of a crown and a majestic tree adorned the headboard.

She had once slept in the crib, as had her father and many other future Kings and Queens before them. She had thought it destroyed after Ravenna took over the castle, or at the very least lost forever. Alas, here it was, after sitting covered in dust for many years in a room far below the castle. Now she was luckily able to use it for her own child and she couldn't wait to show Eric.

Snow leant into the crib and pulled out a soft white blanket. She folded it, unfolded it and then refolded it, trying to keep her eyes from wandering to the window. He'll be here, she had to remind herself. He said he'd be here.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," Greta sang as she entered the chamber.

Snow smiled half-heartedly, "Good morning, Greta." She threw the blanket back into the crib and sighed. Suddenly thunder cracked and roared outside, and the sound of heavy rain sent Snow running to the window.

"No!" Snow exclaimed. "Please, not today," she begged at the black sky.

Greta brushed Snow's arm and took her hand as she too peered out the window. "There's no use fretting, Your Majesty. Waiting around for that husband of yours will do you no good. Come now, best get away from the window."

Snow huffed. "He's supposed to be here today. Now with the storm-"

"Hush now," Greta stopped her. "The Prince said he'd be here, so he'll be here. The rain might slow them down a little, but they'll be here, I assure you."

Snow bit her lip. "I suppose you're right."

Hours ticked by and Snow took every opportunity to glance outside, hoping to find Eric and his men riding through the gates. The rain began to ease around midday, and a sliver of the sun peeked out from behind grey clouds, but there was still no sign of Eric. She eventually grew so anxious, Greta had to plead with her that they take a walk through the courtyard for some air.

"It'll do you some good, Your Majesty," Greta reassured her, prying her away from the windowsill. "Quickly, before the rain starts up again."

Snow eventually agreed, mostly because she had an excellent view of the gate from the courtyard.

Outside, Snow smiled when the cool air touched her face. Despite the weather, Snow felt quite warm, especially since they'd detoured through the hot kitchens on their way outside.

Snow bit into the apple she'd taken from the kitchen and rubbed her stomach as they walked. It was so big that she had long since had the ability to even see her own feet.

"I think it's a girl," Greta gestured to her stomach as they walked.

Snow laughed. "I thought it was a boy in the beginning, but now I'm not so sure. I keep having differing dreams, so I've given up on trying to guess."

"Well boy or girl, it's definitely going to be a big one," Greta smiled.

"Oh, with Eric as the father, I'd expect nothing less."

The pair continued their walk for almost an hour, thankful the rain had stayed away, then sat beneath the willow allowing Snow to catch her breath. They had been sitting for barely two minutes when Snow felt the need to stand. She stood and doubled over, visibly uncomfortable. Greta took her hand to steady her. Snow's face tensed and then she gasped. Greta followed Snow's gaze to the ground where she had lifted her skirts to reveal the puddle of fluid in the dirt.

"Greta?" Snow's voice rattled. "Please tell me that's from the rain?"

"Oh, Your Majesty. The wee little one is coming!"

Panic washed over Snow; this couldn't be happening. She gripped Greta's arm tightly, "It's too early. He's not here!"

"It's alright," Greta took Snow's arm. "Come, we best get you inside."

Greta made Snow comfortable in the chair by her fireplace and sent Mary for the midwives immediately.

Snow clutched at her stomach and she gasped loudly as her stomach tightened. She bit her lip and breathed heavily for a moment, then relaxed when the pain eased.

"Yer Majesty!" Catriona smiled when she entered the chamber. She sat by Snow and took her hand. "I just passed Mary in the hall. She's on her way to send for the other midwives. I hear the babe is on its way?" Her calm, smiling face was reassuring and Snow felt herself relax a little.

Snow nodded, "I felt something tight so I stood, and then the water came, all over the ground." She groaned as her stomach tightened again. "I can't do this now," she said through breaths. "Eric's not here."

Catriona stroked her hand. "Dinnae worry, we still have a little time." She turned to Greta, who was standing red-faced and looking very worried. "Greta," she said calmly. "Ye must find William immediately. Tell him to send messengers for the Prince right away."

Greta nodded and rushed out of the chamber. When she was gone, Catriona turned back to Snow. "Try an' keep calm, Yer Majesty. Take deep breaths when it hurts."

Snow tried to focus on her breathing, and didn't let go of Catriona's hand as they waited for Mary to return with the other midwives. Eventually, she shook her head and stood up, waving her arms to try and cool her face. "It's too hot, I can't breathe."

"Let's change ye into somethin' more comfortable then, shall we?" Catriona helped Snow out of her gown. When the other midwives arrived soon after, Snow was pacing the room slowly in a thin cotton nightgown that didn't cling to her hot skin.

Catriona helped one woman prepare the bed, taking off the linen and spread out clean cloth that could be easily removed after the birth.

Greta rushed back through the door not long after, still just as flustered as when she'd left.

"What happened?" Snow begged. "Did you send for him?"

"William is going himself, Your Majesty. He thinks they'll be back by nightfall."

"Nightfall? I can't…" she fretted. "He has to be here."

A midwife named Raella took Snow's arm and helped her to the bed. She dabbed a wet cloth over her forehead. "It's advised that our men not be present for childbirth, Your Majesty. It is women's business. By the time the Prince returns, you will have a beautiful baby to present to him."

Snow's eyes widened in terror at the thought of Eric being locked out, but all too soon they squeezed shut in pain as her stomach constricted again.

Greta and Catriona shared a private glance. They both knew well enough that nobody would be able to keep Eric out of this room when he arrived; and they most certainly wouldn't be the ones to tell him to stay away.

Little progress was made as the hours passed by. Snow's nightgown was soon wet through, and her cheeks bright red. She clenched her teeth with each contraction and collapsed back into the bed when each one ceased. She kept asking for Eric, but nobody could tell her anything; he was still nowhere to be seen. He, just like the babe, seemed to be many hours away.

Eric studied the sky on his way to the palace. Black storm clouds still loomed above, threatening another severe downpour. They were several hours away from the castle when he saw a man on horseback galloping fast towards them. It only took a moment for Eric to recognize the rider.

"Eric," William puffed when he reached them. His cheeks were rosy from the cold wind and his eyes were frantic. "It's Snow – the baby is coming."

Eric felt the blood drain from his face. "What?" he yelled over the thunder.

"Well don't just sit there," William shouted back as the rain started again. "Let's get moving!"

Snow screamed in agony. Pain ripped through her as her body clenched and tightened violently. She sucked in air but it left her lungs too quickly. She clenched her teeth as another spasm tore through her and she cried out. She felt someone pat the back of her neck with a wet cloth as she bent over the bed on her hands and knees. She felt the need to push, but the pain was unbearable. It consumed her, suffocated her, and she couldn't escape. "I can't do it," she sobbed. "I can't do it…"

Her chamber was now full of midwives wanting to make sure the Queen had a safe delivery, but Snow took no notice of them. She could only focus on the pain.

"You have to breathe, Your Majesty," Raella insisted from the foot of the bed.

It had been a long and horrible day. They'd been in her chamber nearing on twelve hours, and Snow was exhausted. Every time her stomach contracted, she swore it was worse and longer than the last. Each one drained her a little bit more, and she barely had enough energy to lift her head.

"Please, ma'am," Catriona said from beside her. "Ye have to push now."

Snow shook her head, sweat droplets rolled down the side of her face. "I can't do it," she cried, and rolled onto her back. "There's something wrong."

Catriona bit her lip. She'd been worried about the progression of the birth for hours. She pushed firmly on Snow's stomach, trying to distinguish where the baby was. Her lips formed a hard line. "The babe's turned around," she said and Raella felt for herself and agreed.

"What does that mean?" Snow panicked. "Is he okay?"

Catriona swallowed and looked at Raella, whose eyes had widened a little. "It's okay. Everythin' will be alright," she said, but it seemed like she was trying to convince herself instead.

Eric leapt from his horse before it had barely come to a halt. A young stable boy ran out to him despite the pouring rain and took the horse's bridle. Bane and William were not far behind, but Eric couldn't wait for them. He ran through the muddy courtyard and into the palace. He was stiff and cold from the long ride, and wet through to the bone, but he tore through the corridors, leaving a trail of mud and water behind him. Maids and servants scurried out of his way as he flew past them, but they just smiled, knowing where he was headed.

As he rounded the last corner his stomach lurched at the cries coming from Snow's chamber. Lady Harrison, Lady Farewell and Mary sat outside her door, all three of them were pale and tired, and they stood in surprise when they saw him. Eric didn't stop long enough to ask them what was happening, instead he strode past them and banged on the door.

"You can't go in there!" Lady Harrison spoke, but Eric ignored her and banged again.

"Come and sit dear," said Lady Farewell, taking his arm and trying to guide him away. "She must do this on her own."

"Over my dead body," shot the Huntsman and with one heavy kick, the doors flew open, revealing the commotion on the other side.

There were half a dozen ladies scurrying around the chamber, carrying pails of water and blood-stained linen. He hurried over to the bed, nudging someone out of the way and he froze at the sight. All the blood had drained from Snow's face, leaving her looking pale and ghostly. Her beautiful red lips were now cracked and colorless. Her hair was wet and stuck to her neck and her nightgown, hitched up around her waist, was soaked and clinging to her body. Her delicate face was crumpled together in pain. Somehow in his state of panic, he heard someone calling at her to push harder.

Snow screamed through gritted teeth and then gasped for air. "Eric!" she cried when she opened her eyes, reaching out her hand so he could take it. She yelled through clenched teeth and squeezed her eyes shut again. A purple vein appeared in her forehead as she pushed, then she fell back onto the bed, exhausted.

"The baby is backwards, Sir," Greta said suddenly beside him, rousing him from his shock. "They tried turning him around, but the wee one wouldn't budge. It's possible to deliver, but very difficult; she's exhausted."

Eric pulled of his rain soaked coat and vest and let them drop to the floor. He lifted Snow and sat behind her on the bed, supporting her in his arms. "It's alright princess," he whispered and kissed her cold, damp forehead. "I'm here, I've got ye."

"Another push, Snow," Catriona called. "Ye've nearly done it."

Eric felt Snow tense in his arms and she cried out again as she pushed. He wished he could send her all the strength that he had.

"I've got hold of him," Catriona called again. "Keep pushin'."

Eric couldn't keep his eyes away. Catriona grabbed the pink, slimy flesh with steady hands. Suddenly Snow went limp in his arms, and the healer was holding a squirming, crying baby.

Raella took the baby from Catriona and wrapped it in clean cloth. "There now little one," she cooed at the squirming newborn. "Aren't you a darling little thing?"

Snow lifted her shaking arms and Raella put the crying baby on her chest.

"A little Princess," Catriona smiled.

All the air left Eric's body as he started at the tiny baby girl in Snow's arms. She was the most striking thing he'd ever seen. She had big, green eyes like her mother's and little strands of brown hair, much like his own.

Snow gasped suddenly. "Eric," she groaned, "Take her, quickly."

The Huntsman stood from the bed and took their daughter in his arms. It was hard to focus on both of them at once. "What's wrong?"

Snow breathed heavily. "I have to push," she cried to Catriona.

Catriona examined her stomach looked up shocked. "I think ye're right, Yer Majesty. There's another babe."

Eric's eyes widened in shock. "Another?"

Greta came over and held out her hands. "Let me take her, Sir. I'll clean her up while you help your wife."

He was suddenly very hesitant to hand over the small bundle; she fit so perfectly in the crook of his arm, but Snow's cry persuaded him to hand the baby over.

"I can't do it again," Snow wailed. "I'm tired."

Eric pulled the hair away from her sticky neck. "Ye can do it again. Ye can do anythin'."

Snow struggled on her back, "I need to get up, I can't push. I need to get up!"

Eric took her hands and helped her sit.

Catriona motioned for Snow to turn over. "Help her onto the floor," she said to Eric. "On her knees, leanin' against the bed."

Eric did as he was told and helped Snow to the floor. She moaned with her face pressed into the mattress.

"I can feel him, ma'am. Just a few more pushes an' it'll all be over," Catriona said from behind Snow.

Snow gathered all the strength she had left and pushed. This one seemed easier; like the baby was the right way around this time. The new position helped too, as she beared down with everything she had left. A few moments later Snow slumped on the bed with a heavy sigh of relief. Only this time she didn't hear a cry or see a pink squirming baby.

Eric stared at the pale and limp baby in Catriona's hands. The healer looked panicked.

Catriona rushed the small baby to the nearby table. Raella and the other midwives gathered around her.

"Eric?" Snow's voice shook. "What's wrong?"

Eric jumped up and went to women surrounding the table. Raella stopped him. "What's happened?" he begged.

He stared past Raella but couldn't see what was happening. He only saw Catriona bent over the table, hiding the baby from sight. Everything around him seemed to stop in that moment. He found himself holding his breath, and he couldn't think or feel or do anything but hear the rapid thumping of his own heartbeat. All of a sudden, a crackling wail ran through the chamber and Catriona stepped back from the table, revealing a pink baby. The little chest rose and fell quickly between loud wails and Eric felt his breath escape and his head spun with relief.

Raella exhaled and squeezed his arm reassuringly. "Sometimes they just need a little help with the first breath," she puffed. "When there is fluid in the nose we have to suck it out."

Elation filled him as he reached out for the baby. He was so small that he fit comfortably in both of Eric's hands, just like his sister. Their likeness was remarkable, yet instead of Snow's green eyes, the little Prince had blue like his own. Eric went back to Snow; who was crying tears of joy, and put the baby in her waiting arms.

"A boy," Eric grinned, kneeling beside her on the floor. "He's okay."

Snow kissed the top of the little boy's head and a tear fell onto his pink little cheek. "Twins," Snow said, testing the word in her mouth.

Greta returned beside Eric and passed him the Princess, who was now quiet and peaceful. He gently touched her nose and tiny pink lips. He'd never seen anything so spellbinding. She had him wrapped around her tiny little finger and she'd only been in the world a few minutes.

Snow managed to tear her eyes away from her son to stare at Eric. Her heart swelled seeing him cradling their daughter. "You made it," she croaked.

Eric glanced at his tired wife with glistening eyes. "I promised ye I would be here."

"Yes, you did," Snow smiled. She reached out a shaking hand and touched her daughter's delicate fingers. "We can call her Sara if you'd like."

Eric's eyes saddened. He leant over and kissed his wife. She was the most thoughtful and selfless person he'd ever met. His heart melted at her suggestion but he knew he couldn't do it. "Nae," he said softly. "We cannae burden her with the past. She deserves her own name." He stroked his son's tiny foot, "They both do."

Snow kissed him this time. It felt like her heart had split into three, with each piece now belonging to the most important people in her world, and she knew she'd never be the same again.

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