3. Blooddebt | ✓

19. There For Her

"I'm already too old bear to hear His Highness' disapproval," Professor Hamley said, coughing a little and rambled on, "Let's have a talk while you're here. I have a new study I would like to have you take a look and give me some insights on. It's already the seventh run but something seemed off about the set-up and—"

"There he goes again," Collin sighed, shaking his head slightly.

Even so, Elianna felt comforted at Professor Hamley's eagerness and the excitement that flashed across his dark brown eyes was unmistakable. All the years that passed haven't changed the warmth she felt from everyone in this place. She still belonged, within this place filled with the scent of herbs and books.

※

After the talk with Professor Hamley, she spent the rest of the afternoon tidying up the medical library with Henry. They talked about various things but mostly shared about her stories that the knowledge she gained from working with the doctors from Rivia.

"You should gather up a report on these!" Henry enthused. "You know, Professor Hamley would be most delighted to have them on records."

"Surely, I have plans for it," Elianna smiled, placing a book back into the shelf. "Though, it would take me a long time to complete them."

"If you require my assistance, I can always make a trip to Lyx," Henry winked. "Though you have to promise me to tell me more stories about Rivia."

They were casually chatting with one another until the library door was pushed opened in one abrupt slam and a lady passed through, asking frantically, "Has anyone seen Her Highness, The Crown Prince Consort?"

At her mention, Elianna quickly whipped her head around and recognised the anxious lady to be Fariah, Naailah's lady-in-waiting. She dropped the books in her arms on the nearest surface and strode towards her. Concerned, she rushed, "Fariah, what's wrong?"

"Your Highness, p-please tend to Her Highness, h-her water broke," Fariah pleaded nervously.

Elianna grasped the situation almost immediately and comforted the worried lady, "Let's get on the carriage. Don't worry, she'll be fine."

She exited the Royal Medical Department and got into the carriage as they set off to Nvre Palace in a hurry.

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Iftia: Nvre Palace, Waiting Room

• Matthias •

Matthias pushed himself to stand the moment he caught sight of Elianna walking through the door into the waiting room. He was all lost for words except to shout her name, "Elianna!"

His sudden loudness had stunned her but Elianna recovered rather instantaneously as she mentioned, "Matthias, calm down. I'll tend to her now."

"S-she's in a lot of pain," he exhaled, worried out of his mind.

"Wait outside. Naailah and your little princess will be okay, I promise," Elianna reassured him once again before entering into the delivery room in a rush to join the midwives inside.

He only caught a glimpse of his suffering wife before the ladies from within slammed the door right in his face. Dropping his forehead against the hard surface of the door, he prayed, "Your Divinity, please protect my wife and our daughter."

"Matthias!"

From behind, someone had called his name and he turned to see his brother moving into the waiting room in urgent haste. His hair was slightly messy and he panted slightly through his breathlessness. He inquired, "Is Elianna inside?"