Chapter 14 – The Birth.
Riccardo sat in the castle study. He was reading quietly to himself.
"All About the Great Truth."
His eyes lit up, leaning in. His pale blue eyes skimmed over the pages but something distracted him.
A baby's cry could be heard down the hallway to his surprise.
"It can't be…!"
Riccardo ran out of the study and down the hall, bursting open the bedroom door. To his surprise Daniella stood there. Her apron and her hands were covered in blood.
"Master…it's a boy."
Riccardo gasped seeing Sarah in bed. A baby in her exhausted arms. He felt annoyed missing the birth of his child. Yet seeing the small baby grew a smile on his face. It was his son. A part of him like he had always wanted.
Riccardo stepped closer, speechless. He sat quietly down on the bed. Sarah gave him a weak smile. She was exhausted yet pleased to see the love in Riccardo's eyes.
"May I..?"
Riccardo reached out his hands, as Sarah gave him his son. Riccardo softly cradled the newborn azoth in his hands. How precious he was. His eyes were pale blue just like his and down the side of his face was a small scar. He knew being incomplete that there was a possibility that his child would have cracks and scars. Luckily he only had one.
Riccardo gazed down at the baby once more before looking up at Daniella.
"Daniella… take the baby for now and look after it. Sarah needs her rest."
Daniella gave a nod and took the baby away with her. Riccardo gave a warm smile. A smile that Sarah had never seen before. He seemed happy. His hand traced along her face, gently kissing her on the lips. He smiled yet again. He was very satisfied.
"My dear Sarah…rest now."
Sarah smiled back, resting her eyes. Riccardo got up from the bed, gazing out at the window.
"And now you, Fiona…You shall give birth to me too…"
Fiona rubbed at her tired eyes. Hewie lay at the bottom of the bed beside her. His leg was twitching in a dream. Fiona smiled, laughing. How she loved her precious Hewie.
Climbing out of bed, Fiona gave a long stretch before realising she was back in reality.
"I've got to get out of here…Sarah!"
Fiona gave Hewie a gentle pet on his white fur as he yawned and woke up.
"Come on, Hewie! Let's go!"
They both ran out of the room and ran up the steps which lead them to the nursery. Creepy dolls lay everywhere and there stood Daniella. She was standing over the old cradle. Fiona approached her, seeing a sleeping child inside.
"He is beautiful….isn't he?"
Fiona looked back up at the smiling Daniella. It was as if she was trying to look happy even though she knew how to.
"Yes…is he Sarah's child?"
Daniella nodded.
"Mistress Sarah shall want to see you, Miss Fiona. Please… go see her."
Fiona gave one more glance down at the small child and ran off. Hewie ran after her cautiously.
They approached the bedroom after a long walk. Fiona cautiously opened the door, peering in. There lay Sarah in bed. Fiona approached her as she opened her eyes.
"Fiona…you came."
Fiona smiled and sat down on the bed. Hewie sat panting beside her. Gently Fiona gave Sarah's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Your baby is beautiful…"
Sarah smiled back. A small tear ran down her pale face.
"Thank you, Fiona."
Sarah paused then began to speak again.
"I have a favour to ask of you, Fiona."
Fiona's large bright eyes locked on with Sarah's.
"I wish you would stay here…with us."
Fiona shook her head violently.
"No way! I'll never stay in a place like this! I have to get out of here, Sarah. Please help me!"
Sarah sighed. She knew Fiona would not listen.
"I wont force you…If you wish to leave, there is a key downstairs in the music room… it opens that small chest over here. It contains keys for the gate. Riccardo keeps them in there locked."
Fiona listened carefully.
"Thank you, Sarah! I'll go right away!"
Fiona got up, pausing at the door.
"I'll never forget your kindness, Sarah…"
Sarah smiled, sitting up slightly.
"Go, Fiona. Before Riccardo finds you."
Fiona gave a nod and ran off back down the hallway with her trustful companion, Hewie.