"How are you feeling?" Dr. Brinks asked Catelyn as she groggily opened her eyes.
"I have headache, but I will be alright. What happened? Is Harold ok? Where is Vianna?" She asked, trying to sit up suddenly.
"Please, take it easy, Catelyn. Harold is doing ok. Vianna is in her room. The maids checked on her, but she was asleep. They will wake her to eat soon. She knows nothing of what is going on yet." Dr. Brinks informed her.
"What do you mean, Doctor?" She asked, confused.
Vianna knew they were trying to save her father, but Doctor Brinks spoke like there was something else going on.
"Catelyn, there is no other way to say this so I will come right out with it. You are pregnant." Dr. Brinks said plainly.
"What?" When did this happen? How could this be? We haven't been able to get pregnant for years. We were lucky with Vianna." Catelyn said as she gently touched her stomach.
"Are you sure this is so, doctor?" She asked in disbelief.
"Yes, Catelyn." Dr. Brinks said as he reached for his stethoscope, allowing Catelyn to hear the heartbeat for herself. "Listen." He instructed.
Catelyn struggled to hear her baby's heartbeat. Her eyes widened and tears began to form. She placed both hands over her mouth in disbelief.
"I hear it. This is a miracle." She said through her tears.
"I must warn you, Catelyn. The heartbeat is not strong so you will need to be on rest for a while or at least until you regain your strength, and the heartbeat strengthens as well. You have gone through a lot lately and you must take care of yourself. You must eat on time and rest as much as possible. Vianna and Harold will be taken care of. Do you understand?" Dr. Brinks asked her.
Catelyn was shocked at the news of her pregnancy. It took a moment to understand what the doctor had just revealed to her. Her face was blank as her mind ran at full speed.
"Uh, yes doctor. I understand." She replied snapping out of her thoughts.
"Good. Food will be brought for you shortly, so sit tight and make sure you eat." He instructed.
"How long do you think it will be before I start feeling better?" She asked.
"Well, that depends on you. By nature, you are a quick healers, but any being will succumb to poor treatment of oneself. The quicker you take care of your health, the quicker you can go about your day normally." Dr. Brinks informed her.
"Understood." She replied.
"When can I see Harold?" She asked, impatiently.
"You can see him soon. He is healing well so that should be somewhat of an ease for you. His wounds have almost completely healed. He should be waking up soon. The Alpha will take you to see Harold a bit later. He is finishing up business with Marie. For now, please continue to rest." He instructed.
"What about Vianna? I need to speak with her. Has she eaten? She did not eat the last time I visited her." Catelyn said.
"I will take care of it. There is a lot of explaining to do. There is much for her to understand. She too will be more at ease knowing that Harold is getting better. Please, rest now. The baby needs it." Dr. Brinks said with a smile.
A soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
"Mrs. Owen, I have brought you something to eat. It is soup, rolls and tea. We thought something warm would be best for you. Oh, and congratulations!" Hannah smiled as she set the food down on the table nearest to Catelyn.
"Thank you, Hannah. Catelyn spoke, returning her smile.
Hannah had been assigned to Catelyn and Vianna since they arrived. She was in charge of what they ate and making sure they had everything they needed. She would now be taking special care of Catelyn in her delicate condition, while she continued to instruct the other maids on how to care for Vianna.
Though Hannah was one of the younger maids, she was very wise and insightful. The other maids respected her. She was the Alpha's favorite and the one he trusted to get things done. Hannah used to be Alaric's maid, but she was now needed to help Catelyn.
"Hannah, please check on Vianna. Let her know I will be visiting her shortly to speak to her about her father." Dr. Brinks instructed.
"Yes. Doctor. Catelyn, is there anything else I can bring for you?" Hannah asked.
"No, this is plenty. Thank you." Catelyn replied.
"Very well, I will excuse myself. I will check on you shortly." She said, walking out of the room and closing the door behind her.
"I must leave as well. Call me if you have any complications or pains." Dr. Brinks said, placing her cellphone near her bed. "I will doctor." She replied.
"I will leave you to your meal, Catelyn. Please eat as much as you can." Dr. Brinks said as he walked out of the room, hurriedly.
Catelyn's thoughts were a spiraling wind of fear and confusion. Being pregnant at a time like this frightened her. She wanted to be able to care for Harold and Vianna, not stay restricted in her bed. Her heart ached for her family.
She looked down at her stomach and rubbed it gently.
"Ok, little one. We are in this together. I will take care of you, and you will take care of me. Deal?" She she said as she reached for the warm soup on the table and began eating slowly.