The Secret Magic: 1: Complications
Chapter 2: A Day Without Rain
By: Karigan Marie

Two Months Later:

Daine woke early one morning before Numair had even begun to stir. She stood in front of the mirror observing herself. She pulled her tunic up to expose her belly, which had the slightest amount of roundness. She looked thoughtfully into the mirror, searching for any signs of changes. It had been such a rough month. She got sick almost every morning; though had managed to keep a level stomach for most of the last few weeks. Numair watched her like a hawk. Everyday he would ask her how she felt and checked up on her regularly throughout the day. Surprisingly, she had not gotten sick this morning, yet; a small relief for which she was incredibly grateful.

She didn't notice him get up and walk up behind her. Numair saw what she was doing and wrapped his arms around her waste from behind, placing his chin on the top of her head. She leaned back against him and sighed in contentment. Numair caressed her bare stomach and kissed her neck tenderly. "You didn't get sick this morning. That's a good sign."

She nodded. "I feel like breakfast today."

Numair brightened dramatically. "Then by all means, let us scurry downstairs and feed this hungry child of ours."

Daine stood in the stables as she happily brushed Cloud. Kitten, who had caused a ruckus among the other stable horses, had been sent back to their suites to wait out her little tantrum. Daine had not felt this good in a long time, and she planned on enjoying herself. Cloud noticed her easiness. You look much better today, Daine.

I feel a lot better, she replied silently

That's good; you human mares are so delicate when you are carrying colts. Daine laughed aloud at the comment before finding herself in the midst of a sneezing fit from the pollen that clouded the air.

All of the sudden, a sharp pain pierced through her stomach. Daine let out a strangled cry and doubled over. DAINE? What is wrong? Cloud asked nervously.

Daine could hardly stand the pain that was swelling in her stomach. "I...I don't know," she whispered hoarsely. Another sharp pain sprung up. Daine cried out yet again. She fell to her knees, tears streaking down her face. "Cloud…please...go get help." Then, the world went dark.

Cloud ran outside in a panic. Looking around, she spotted Onua and Numair walking on the far side of the courtyard, deep in conversation. Cloud whinnied and ran up to them hurriedly.

Onua looked confused for a moment and then grew stern. "Horse Lords, Cloud! What are you doing out of your stall? If Daine finds out that you're misbehaving, she'll singe your tail."

Cloud pawed the ground anxiously and butted a confused Numair in the chest. Getting upset with their lack of movement, she grabbed his tunic in her mouth and pulled violently on it.

Numair frowned. "Cloud, what do you want?" He looked towards the stables and noticed Daine's stable bag sitting outside the main door. "Daine!" He whispered fiercely.

He sprung into a full run towards the stables. Inside, he looked around in a wild frenzy. "Daine?" he yelled. He looked over into the grooming area and saw Daine lying on her side. Her face was deathly pale and tears stained her cheeks. "Oh Gods! Onua!" he roared. He knelt down beside Daine and lifted her into his lap. "Daine?" He whispered softly to her. "Please Magelet, wake up. Please?" he pleaded.

Onua ran in and looked Daine over quickly. "We have to get her to a healer. Quickly."

Daine opened her eyes to a dimly lit room. She moved her head to look out a window and realized it was dark out. She attempted to sit up and was surprised when Alanna cam up behind her and helped her up. "Alanna? What happened?"

Alanna checked her pulse and than put her hand on Daine's head to feel her temperature. "You lost consciousness this afternoon." She was hiding something behind that strained calm look.

"Alanna?" Alanna looked at Daine. "Alanna, what happened?" Alanna looked back down.

"Maybe I should go get Numair. He's outside waiting. I'm sure he wants to see you."

Daine grabbed her arm and looked at her with pleading eyes. "Alanna?"

With a sigh and a complete look of sympathy, Alanna whispered, "You lost the baby, Daine."

Something inside her started to hurt A far off voice in her head started wondering what she had done wrong. She starred at Alanna without looking, unable to say anything. The pain kept getting worse. And that horrible voice seemed to be getting louder by the second. Her throat caught and she strained to keep in a sob. A single tear ran down her cheek.

Knowing it was time to go get Numair, Alanna leaned forward and kissed Daine on the forehead. "I'm so sorry, Daine." She stepped outside.

Daine still couldn't say or do anything. She just starred into space. The pain wasn't getting any better. She didn't expect it too. 'My baby' she thought. 'It's gone.'

Alanna stepped outside into the small hallway. On one side of the hallway, King Jonathan, back against the wall, looked down at his feet. On the other side sat Numair. He had his head in his hands and looked miserable. With the soft click of the door, Numair looked up. His eyes were bloodshot and his face was a cloud of pain. "She's awake," Alanna whispered. Numair jumped up and started to walk to the door. Alanna stepped in his way. "Numair, listen. Daine kept asking so I had to tell her." She saw the question in his face. "She's not taking the news too well. Although, I wouldn't expect any other reaction. She's still getting used to it. Be careful with her."

Numair looked at Alanna with some annoyance. As if he would be anything but careful with Daine at a time like this. Remembering that Alanna was just looking out for Daine, he nodded gratefully and stepped into the room

Daine sat on the bed, arms wrapped around her knees, her head hidden within her arms. It hurt even to speak. He could hardly get a word out. "Daine?" he whispered. She lifted her head to look at him and he felt his heart twist in pain at the sight of her. Her usually bright blue gray eyes were red and puffy; her beautiful face was flushed with the effort of holding back emotions. Her chin trembled violently. He didn't know what to do or say. When Alanna had told him not two hours ago about the baby, he'd wanted to blow things up. Now, here was Daine, just hearing the news; he could see the pain etched in her eyes. Suddenly, Daine couldn't hold back anymore. She broke out in sobs. He ran to her and held her up against his chest. She held up shaking hands to cover her face; curling up into a trembling ball. Numair just held her tight, letting her grieve. He rocked back and forth with her in his arms whispering soft words to her. A few tears rolling down his own swarthy face.