The corridor outside Misery’s chamber felt longer than ever as Adrian hurried back, the King’s chilling words echoing in his mind.
You have until the child is strong enough to survive. Then it’s mine. His heart pounded in his chest, but his expression remained stoic. He couldn’t let his fear show—not now. Not when Misery needed him.
The moment he entered the room, his gaze fell on Misery. She lay on the bloodied sheets, her face pale and glistening with sweat. Her hair clung to her damp forehead, and her breaths were shallow, punctuated by sharp cries of pain as another contraction wracked her body. The midwives moved frantically around her, their whispered instructions barely audible over her labored breathing.
Adrian crossed the room quickly, kneeling by her side. His hand found hers, and she clung to him as though he were her lifeline.
“He agreed,” Adrian said softly, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. “We have time.”
Misery’s eyes, glassy with tears, met his. For a moment, her expression shifted, a glimmer of relief breaking through the pain.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice breaking. Her tears spilled freely, streaking her flushed cheeks.
Adrian squeezed her hand, his grip firm but gentle. “You’re not alone in this,” he said, his tone unwavering. “I’m here.”
Another contraction tore through her, and Misery cried out, her body arching off the bed. Adrian leaned closer, brushing a strand of damp hair from her face. “Breathe, Misery,” he murmured. “Focus on me. You can do this.”
Misery sobbed, her other hand clutching the blanket tightly as she fought through the agony. “Adrian, I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “What if—what if I can’t do this?”
“You can,” Adrian said firmly. “You’re the strongest person I know. And you’re not doing this alone. I won’t let anything happen to you or the baby.”
The hours dragged on, each contraction more intense than the last. The midwives worked tirelessly, their faces etched with worry as they monitored Misery and the unborn child.
Adrian remained by her side, his presence a steady anchor. He whispered words of encouragement, his hand never leaving hers.
At one point, Misery turned her head toward him, her tear-streaked face filled with desperation. “Promise me,” she said, her voice barely audible. “Promise me you’ll keep her safe.”
Adrian’s throat tightened, but he didn’t hesitate. “I promise,” he said. His crimson eyes burned with determination. “No one will touch her. Not while I’m alive.”
Misery closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling as she fought to endure the relentless pain. Adrian stayed close, his unwavering support the only thing keeping her grounded as she approached the final stretch of labor.