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against the headboard of his bed. I'd like to kill that renunciate. The price
of heresy is death."
Jingen lowered his chin and regarded Stygean for a few breaths. But would
you have the courage to stick him, if you could?"
"I could shove a blade through his heart without a thought."
CHAPTER FIVE
WOES OF THE WOMEN
Merissa sat watching the children playing in the garden, with her hands in
her lap. Her gaze stole to the wedding arch. She knew that she should order it
taken down, so that Malthus could make the rounds of the taverns and exercise
his bragging rights. Merissa didn't want to tell him yet. Some part of her
kept holding off. She had recognized the first tiny changes in her body the
moment they began, and knew from her previous pregnancy what they meant. She
had never expected to become pregnant so swiftly. She was not certain why she
kept holding back.
"Merissa, Claw's voice came from behind her, and she swiveled on the bench.
"He spends a lot of time hunting, that husband of yours, Claw growled.
Malthus had gone hunting two days ago to provide meat for the sanctuary as he
had been frequently doing since late last spring. Shalto, who worked at the
sanctuary, had stopped by to inform Malthus of the need. Merissa always felt
relieved when her husband left for a few days, because he kept her on her back
with her legs open more often than not. Since the day of the wedding, his work
for the sanctuary had become the only thing that gave her time to herself,
time to be with Darmyk. Maybe that would change once he knew his efforts had
proved fruitful.
"He still provides for the sanctuary, father, Merissa responded. He feels
responsible for them. He's a good mon."
"He should be here. He has other responsibilities, Claw grumbled.
Knowing what her father referred to, Merissa glanced at the arch and then
stared at her hands. Take the arch down, father."
Claw's face lit, and he pulled her into his arms for an awkward hug. So he's
done his job. I have another grandcub on its way."
She stirred uneasily. Ever since the letter from Nevin stating that Isranon
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had repudiated Darmyk and called her a slut, her father had been trying to be
more comforting and affectionate with her, as if to fill the emotional gap in
her life and relieve some of her pain. She hadn't told anyone that she still
cried over that letter. Yes, father."
"Shall I send for Baroucha?"
Merissa pushed away from him, shaking her head. I don't like Baroucha. She
shivered, remembering how hard Baroucha had pushed for her to abort Darmyk,
and how the healer had threatened to poison Isranon. I'd rather you sent for
Sheradyn. He attended me while I carried Darmyk. I'm sure granny can spare
him."
Claw kissed her forehead. Whatever you wish. Now go in and tell your mother.
I'll get that arch down, so yourmon will know his efforts have been
victorious."
Merissa gave a demure nod, and headed into the manor. She found Aisha at her
loom, weaving a bright pattern into the cloth. Fianait settled her
conservative wraparound robe into place as she returned to her loom. Merissa
knew that Fianait disapproved of the complex human style clothing she favored.
The only time that Merissa had resorted to wearing the traditional robes was
when she had been very swollen with Darmyk. She needed to get out her old
maternity clothes and see what shape they were in. Merissa had become
depressed during the final months of carrying Darmyk, crying over the fact
that she would probably never see his father again, and as a result wore
mainly dark unflattering colors until a year after Darmyk's birth. Malthus
would expect her to dress better than that while carrying his child. She would
need to have their nibari start stitching for her.
She drew a chair up so that she could sit behind her mother, and sucked in a
fortifying breath. Mother, I'm I'm pregnant."
Aisha laid her shuttle down and pushed her seat back, studying her daughter.
You don't look happy."
Merissa looked away, wondering why it was so hard for her to meet the eyes of
the people who loved her. Malthus will be very happy. Father is."
"What about you?"
"I'm happy. Really, I am. It's just for some reason I want to cry, and keep
crying."
"That's normal, said Aunt Fianait. You're young. You'll get over it."
Merissa, feeling strangely uneasy, bit back a retort as to what Fianait would
know about bearing cubs considering that Fianait had measured every dog wolf
against her twin, Brock, and found them lacking, which caused her to remain a
maiden into her old age.
Aisha gave Fianait a silencing look, and turned to her daughter. How long
have you known?"
"Two weeks."
Aisha looked thoughtful. Your husband is a potent male. That's good."
Going so long between children had been nice, Merissa thought. However, from
the way that Malthus spoke to her, it sounded as if he intended to give her no
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time between pregnancies.
"At least this one should probably be lycan, said Searlait gently. And that
should please everyone, Merissa."
Merissa contemplated her hands, her fingers twined over her stomach. Yes, it
should."
* * * *
Claw was breathing heavy by the time he wrestled one side of the arch from
the ground. It twisted in his hands and he hesitated, knowing that it was
considered bad luck if the arch broke being removed. A sharp pain lanced
through his chest and he staggered back. The arch swayed and started to topple
on one side. Claw darted forward, caught it, and then leaned his head against
it fighting a wave of dizziness. The pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath
had become more frequent since he first experienced it on Merissa's wedding
day.
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