A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers, and a big plate of cookies to Lioness of Tortall and Dark Unicorn Lurking for being the first ones to figure out the answer to the clues I left behind! In this chapter, we are going to find out, and I hope you all enjoy it!
Disclaimer: None of this is mine.
Everything She Ever Wanted: Chapter 5
Nara looked up disgustedly at the knock on her door from where she was leaning over her basin. Wiping her mouth, she attempted to answer the door as the knock sounded again. She had only taken two steps when her stomach rebelled, and she stumbled back the way she came, emptying her stomach back into the basin.
The knock sounded again, impatient this time, and Shadow's voice sounded through the wood. "Lady Ice, His Majesty needs to see you downstairs!" Silence followed this statement, and all Nara could do was retch and curse the timing of her sickness.
The knock was tentative this time. "Lady Ice?" The door was pushed open, and Shadow stood there, looking faintly concerned as he looked around the room. At his entrance, Nara found the energy to push herself away from the basin and wipe her face clean, although she knew she must look like a mess.
Shadow's face registered alarm as Nara stumbled out of the bathroom on shaking legs. Her hair was in disarray, and her golden-brown skin had a distinctly pale tinge to it. Her blue-black eyes had a hint of fear in them, as if she wasn't sure what was happening to her.
"Nara, are you alright?" Shadow asked anxiously, moving to support her. Nara leaned against him tiredly, grateful for the support. In the back of her mind, it registered that this was one of the few times Shadow had called her by her name, which meant he was really concerned. She nodded tiredly, but grimaced as a fresh wave of nausea swamped her, and she was forced to make a run for the basin.
Shadow helped her get there in time, looking distinctly concerned, holding her hair back as she emptied the contents of her stomach for the fifth time that morning.
"Are you sick?" Shadow asked, stroking her hair soothingly. Nara leaned against him, comforted by his solid weight. She shook her head, and fought to keep what was left of her stomach out of her mouth. She had had these symptoms before, but she couldn't remember where. She hadn't had that much to drink the night before, so it couldn't be from the ale.
"Come on," Shadow decided for her, "we're going to visit my mother." Nara would've protested, but she was too exhausted. So she just nodded and clung to Shadow as he half carried her down the stairs.
Lifting her onto his horse, Shadow swung up behind her, bracing her. He kicked the horse into motion, and Nara leaned back, her eyes closing as the steady beating of Shadow's heart lulled her into a doze.
In no time at all they had arrived in front of Althea's house, it's healer's sign swinging in the brisk breeze. Aroused by the sound of hoof beats, Althea hurried out of her house, her dark brown hair in a braid and her hazel eyes twinkling. She had a welcome smile on her face, but it disappeared as she took in Nara's appearance.
"Goddess, child," she murmured while helping Nara into the house, "what have you done to yourself?" Nara couldn't answer; she was already retching into a nearby basin. Seeing that the girl was unable to provide the information she needed, Althea rounded on her son.
"Did you have anything to do with this?" She questioned sharply, waving her hand in Nara's direction.
Shadow held up his hands in surrender and to ward off the scolding he knew was coming. "Ma, I didn't touch her!" He exclaimed. "She was fine last night, but this morning I came in to find her like that."
"Did you now?" Althea studied Nara for a moment, who was glaring at the basin murderously as she emptied her stomach, and then her face lit up in a gentle smile as she turned to her son again.
"Have you noticed her like this before?" She asked, but Shadow shook his head.
"This was the first time I'd seen her like this." He glanced in Nara's direction, obviously worried, and Althea smiled at the look on tender concern on his face.
"Well, I know what's wrong with her." She said after a moment, and Shadow looked up eagerly.
"You do? What is it?"
Althea smiled mysteriously. "I'll let her tell you after I give her the news."
"Ma," Shadow whined, sounding as if he was ten, "I want to know."
Althea pointed to the door. "Out, Nirav. I need to talk to Nara alone." Looking like a wounded puppy, Shadow slowly made his way out to the yard. Althea closed the door on her son's retreating back and turned to find Nara slumped in one of her wooden chairs, her eyes closed.
"What is happening to me, 'Thea?" She moaned, blinking blearily at her friend. "Why am I so sick?"
Althea grinned and settled herself next to her young friend. "Have you had these symptoms before?"
Nara cracked open one eyes and glanced at her, blue-black eyes intrigued. "I don't know," she murmured, "they seem vaguely familiar…"
"You used to have a son, didn't you?" Althea said cautiously, and Nara stiffened, shooting her friend a poisonous stare that told her to tread carefully.
"Yes," she said, her tone soft, but her voice told Althea that the girl had no idea where this was going.
Althea just stared at Nara until she caught on. Suddenly, Nara remembered that ratherintimate night she and Alex had spent together before she had left Kudarung Falls for the last time. "Oh…" the girl finally murmured, then blushed, trailing off.
"Have you been with any men since your husband's death?" Althea asked, and Nara stiffened again, glaring outright.
"Do you really think I would dishonor his memory by selling myself?" She seethed, but Althea merely held up a hand to stop her.
"I meant no offense to your husband, my dear," she soothed. "I was merely curious as to who the father was. Now," she said, getting back to business, "when did you start having these sicknesses?"
"A couple of weeks ago," Nara answered, and Althea nodded. "Then you're probably a month or so along. Congratulations my dear," she added as she swept Nara into a tight embrace.
Nara rested her head on Althea's shoulder, sniffling back tears. She missed Alexander, and she would be alone to raise this baby. "I just wish Alex was here," she whispered, and Althea handed her a handkerchief, wiping her eyes.
"I'm sure you'll find someone to help you raise the baby." Althea told her with a secretive smile. She gave Nara a little push towards the door, telling her, "Now, go tell my son that there's nothing to be worried about."
Nara opened the door, and Shadow, who had been leaning against it, practically fell into her arms. Straining to support this sudden weight, Nara stumbled as Shadow regained his balance. Shadow immediately caught her, looking concerned. Nara leaned against him, willing her shaking legs not to give out. Shadow held her gently, a look of tenderness in his eyes.
Althea Brandon looked on, admiring the picture her son and friend made. Yes, she decided, I could get used to that sight.
Shadow straightened, and Nara pulled away, blushing. "Are you sick?" He asked worriedly, and Nara shook her head, smiling.
"I'm not sick," she told him, "but I'm pregnant." Shadow nodded, but then he stopped, staring at Nara in shock. Immediately his green eyes became guarded, and Nara looked at him in concern.
"Shadow, what's wrong?" She asked, staring up at him. Shadow stared down, his eyes shielded.
"Nothing's wrong, Lady Ice," he said calmly, a bit coolly. Sounding disinterested, he asked casually, "Who's the father?"
Nara looked up at him, and seeing his impassiveness, murmured sadly, "Alexander."
Shadow mask melted away, and he hugged her gently. "I'm sorry Nara." He pulled away. "Let's go back to the Dove."
The ride back to the Dove was silent, Nara contemplating this new life, and Shadow wrapped up in his own thoughts. Lifting her down from his horse, Shadow seemed surprisingly gentle, but he turned away to stable his horse without a word.
Nara stopped him with a hand on his arm. She took a deep breath, surprised by what she was about to ask. "Shadow," she asked, staring up at him, "when the baby comes, will you help me raise it? I would like the baby to have a foster father, and you seem like the right person to do it."
Shadow stared down at her, his green eyes unreadable. For a moment, Nara thought he was going to refuse, but the next second, his face split into a grin, and he hugged her gently.
"Of course I'll help you raise the baby, Nara." He replied, his eyes shining. He bent down, brushed her cheek with a kiss, and then led his horse away, whistling brightly.
Nara shook her head, smiling slightly as she watched him go. She headed into the Dove, suddenly ravenous.
A/N: Fluffy chapter, but necessary for the plot. Well, did you like my surprise? Tell me by pushing that button down there and reviewing!