I do not own the WWE or any of the characters associated with it. I only own Rose and her family.
Chapter 6
Rose was in better spirits the following day. Having seemingly forgotten the nightmares, she hummed as she tended her garden. She was now showing as if she was entering her third trimester and Kane wondered if his brother would be back in time.
Rose was talking with Mary, oblivious to her protector. "What was your family like?"
"They were English and they sided with Lord Marcus when he came to depose Uriens." Mary answered, trying to make sure it painted her lord in a positive light.
"Marcus deposed Uriens? I thought he was the rightful ruler?" Rose wondered.
"Of course he was, but Uriens insisted he was and they had a war. We know the outcome."
"What happened to Uriens?" Rose asked.
"He died in the last battle according to most accounts." Mary said. "I was not born for another ten years after the war."
"I was born while Uriens was still alive." Rose said. "My mother used to tell me stories of Queen Morgana," Mary froze to her spot, "and told me stories of King Arthur."
"Those are fables my lady, used to fill the heads of children." Mary answered.
"Yes, I suppose so." Rose ventured. "I want to tell my children the stories I grew up with." She smiled at Mary. "Did you have any stories growing up?"
"No, my lady. I didn't know my parents."
"Did your parents betray our lord?" She asked.
"Yes and they paid with their lives as anyone who crosses Lord Marcus does." Mary helped gather the roses, as Rose cut them.
"Lord Marcus is extraordinary, Mary. When I first met him, I thought he was heartless. I know now that I can trust him and love him. I know that I need him just as he needs me and I have comfort that my children will be loved." Rose looked at her. "Don't you want children?"
"I will have my hands full with yours, my lady." Mary smiled.
"So you will." Rose answered. "I hope these last for Lord Marcus, he should enjoy them so."
Lord Marcus did indeed return later that day. Having heard of Rose being in bed with nightmares, he rushed home. He didn't want something to happen to her. He strode into the throne room to see Mary and Rose giggling.
"Lord Marcus, you've returned to us!" Rose instantly turned when she heard Mary say the words she had longed to hear.
"My lord! You're home!" Rose went to the table and grabbed the vase full of roses. "These are for you."
"They are lovely, my dear. I heard you were in bed for half a fortnight, is this true?" Marcus sounded concerned.
"It is. The doctor said I had shivers and that I was tossing and turning as if in a nightmare." Rose answered, somewhat sheepishly. "I'm sorry that I concerned you."
"I worry about you. Especially since if you get hurt or sick, it might affect the child." Marcus answered. "I want to take care of you."
"Of course." Rose smiled. "But I am in great spirits now that you have returned."
"Well, I will stay for a week, just to keep an eye on you. We can't have you unhealthy." Lord Marcus kissed her hand.
"Lord Kane and Lord Adam care for me in your absence, my lord. I will…"
"Never you mind that, I will stay for a week as I said and you will be well cared for by me." Marcus cut her off.
"Of course, my lord." Rose answered. "I think I shall go lay down, I am so tired." Rose retired leaving Mary and Lord Marcus alone.
"I heard what you said to my wife, Mary." Marcus began as Mary shivered. "I am pleased that my wife is your number one priority. I am also pleased that you want to take care of our children and help her."
"Yes, my lord. I adore Lady Rose. She considers me her friend." Mary said.
"Good. I like that she has friends that I can trust. Unlike that Lady Evelyn."
"She is a dreadful woman, that Lady Evelyn." Mary agreed.
"If Lady Evelyn distresses your mistress, tell Lord Kane and he will take care of it." Marcus asked.
"Yes, my lord. Please excuse me, I wish to make sure your lady is properly cared for."
"You are excused. And Mary, if you continue this good behavior, I will make sure you are well taken care of and released from your bond." Marcus said.
"Thank you, my lord." Mary was overjoyed at this news. "You can count on me, my lord."
Marcus went to his study and found Lord Kane there. "What can I do for you, brother?"
"She loves you, that much is true. But I don't think she could handle if you left us again. She has grown quite attached to you." Kane stated.
"I understand that Kane, but I can't stop what the Irish are doing. They rebel daily and our forces need guidance. We can't afford to lose the ground we have gained. It would be a devastating blow, especially if I am to go after the High King's throne when he dies." Marcus answered.
"That might be true, but she looks as if she will have the child as soon as tomorrow. I beg you, just stay until we are sure that the child is safe and she is safe. You could bond to her, then leave for Ireland." Kane sighed. "She will make a good queen. She adores you, Marcus. Just like Lady Morgana predicted she would."
"I need you to beg an audience with the Lady Morgana, Kane. Beg her to ask for advice on how to deal with a Reaper child and if it will harm Rose. If she needs to tell me in person, so be it."
Kane nodded and left. Marcus sat at his desk as Mary came in. "The mistress is sleeping as Lord Adam looks after her. I thought I would ask if there was anything I could do for you." Mary seemed desperate to be a good girl.
"No, Mary. I am fine. I would appreciate if you prepare the guest's quarters. I will be having an esteemed guest and I want it to be perfect. I am entrusting you with this task." Marcus looked at her warningly. "Don't make me regret it."
Mary nodded and left him alone, eager to please as always. There was a soft knock at the door. "My lord, I wanted to ask how the Lady Rose is doing with her pregnancy."
"Lady Elizabeth, I had no idea that you were still here. I thought you would have gone home with your husband." Marcus liked Lady Elizabeth. She seemed to be a gentle soul unless you attacked her husband, Lord John of Cena Hills.
"John asked me to remain here in case Lady Rose needed proper female companionship. Not the kind Lady Evelyn provides, mind you. How is she?"
"She sleeps now, but her pregnancy is moving swiftly. The child will be born soon. I will be staying with her until she is well enough to care for the child on her own. Perhaps you and Mary could help her? I believe that would make her very happy."
"We could have a feast in your child's honor, my lord. I'm sure Lady Rose would be delighted." Lady Elizabeth's eyes were glistening.
"Sounds wonderful. Why don't you make the arrangements as I have sent Lord Kane on an errand? I am going to check on my wife." Marcus rose from the chair. "Good day, Lady Elizabeth."
"And to you, my lord." She swept down the hall in a flourish towards the kitchens.
Marcus made his way to his wife and saw many women rushing in and out. Lord Adam was just outside the door. "Sorry, my lord. It seems I've been kicked out. Your wife is having her child."
"Already?" Marcus asked. "May I see her?"
"No men allowed and I'm afraid that includes you, my lord." One woman trembled as she passed by them, opened and closed the door, leaving them alone.
"How long as she been like this?"
"An hour or so." Lord Adam said. "Mary left right before it started happening."
They heard a scream. A woman rushed out and looked at Marcus. "My lord, she is fine. She is experiencing the pain of childbirth. But I will give you a child before the day is done."
"Thank you, midwife." Marcus dismissed her as she went back inside. "Lord Adam, do you think she will be alright?"
"Of course, she is strong, my lord. I'm sure she will be."
Another scream here and there as the hours dragged on. Mary got the men beer as they waited for news of Lady Rose. In the early dusk, Kane returned with a cloaked figure.
"This is the Lady Morgana and she can help Lady Rose, if you permit her into the room." Kane spoke first.
"Of course. Go right ahead, my lady. When you wish to rest, Mary will show you to your quarters if you so desire." Marcus answered.
She gave a nod and went inside the door.
The hours passed well into the night and finally after screaming, Marcus heard a cry of a baby. A woman came out of the room and came over to them. "My lords, Lady Rose is fine, thanks to the Lady Morgana as is the child. Lord Marcus, if you wish to see them, it is your first privilege as the father."
Marcus went in to see a sight before him. One of the women was on the floor, drained of all her soul, and Lady Rose with a child in her arms talking with Lady Morgana.
"Lord Marcus, a pleasure to see you as always. Rose's fever was none-existent as I took care of her. The child is a boy, awaiting a name, and your wife is very healthy. She's in high spirits for her first child."
"Thank you, my lady. I am in your debt." Marcus looked at Rose who showed him a beautiful baby boy, with the brightest green eyes, just like his father.
"My lord, what will you name him?" Morgana pressed.
"I will name my son Richard."