The words struck like lightning.
Jay froze for a split second then his body moved on instinct. He lifted Liv into his arms, not caring about the blood soaking into his clothes.
"Prepare the birthing chamber!" he roared. "Now!"
Healers and servants scattered in every direction. The bonfires were left to dim, the warm gathering collapsing into controlled chaos. Leon immediately ordered the guards to tighten security, while Marchioness Albertch covered her mouth, holding her breath, her eyes shining with fear.
"Liv… hold on," Jay whispered over and over, his voice breaking. "I'm here. Don't go."
Liv was only half-conscious. Her vision blurred, but she could still see Jay's face above her a face she had rarely seen this afraid.
"Jay…" she smiled weakly through the pain. "Don't… be angry at this baby…"
Those words struck Jay harder than anything else.
