Becky made a note in the file. “Did you have sex during the six days?”
The healer was referring to the time they spent at the hotel in Sweetwater. Most of it with each other. The best days of her life. It hurt to think about it. “What does this have to do with anything?” There was irritation laced in her words.
“Please, it’s important. I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”
“Yes,” Charlotte answered.
“How many times a day?” Becky raised her brows.
Charlotte had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. “We had plenty of sex, multiple times a day.”
“Unprotected or did you use condoms?”
“Why would we use protection?” Charlotte was being snarky with the healer. It wasn’t fair since the female was trying to help her. Come to think of it, she’d been a bit of a bitch with everyone lately. “No, we didn’t use protection.”
Becky nodded once and made another note in the file. “You were close, not just physically?” The human paused. “I’m not one for rumors but I’ve heard that the two of you were to be mated but you left?”
“Yes, I left and yes, we were very close. Are you sure this is necessary?” Talking about the sex was one thing. Talking about this was another entirely.
Becky ignored her flat. “You know that different species share DNA with one another when having sex? It is personified after they become mates. Different species will take certain traits from one another.”
Charlotte nodded. “I know there are major changes in human females. I’m not sure about the males. Why is this pertinent?”
Becky frowned. She put the end of the pen in her mouth for a few moments. “Have you experienced any elven traits?”
“Not really. Elves are similar to us, except they don’t have the best sense of smell and they are strictly vegan.”
“Anything physically?”
Charlotte shook her head. “My ears became more sensitive. I might have just been imagining it but I don’t think so. What are you getting at? I can sense that this is leading somewhere. At least, I hope it is.”
“Please come and lie down on the examination bed. I want to give you a basic physical just to rule out some things.” Becky gestured to a high, narrow bed at the back of the room.
Charlotte nodded. She went over to the bed and lay down as instructed.
Becky put a hand to her distended belly as she stood up. “It’s hard to believe I still have seven weeks to go. Look at me,” the other woman widened her eyes, “I’m huge.”
Charlotte smiled. “You are very lucky.” She couldn’t help the ache inside her. The feeling of longing. Stop it!
“I know.” That look of pity was back and maybe a good dose of sympathy. “I might complain about the backache and uncontainable breasts,” she pointed at her huge mammary glands, “but I am very happy.” She beamed. Had that whole glowing thing going on. “How do you feel in general? Fatigued?”
“I feel great otherwise.” Unless a broken heart counts.
Using a stethoscope, Becky listened to her chest. Then she pulled one of her eyelids back. The human healer took a cuff and put it around her arm. “Just going to check your blood pressure. Keep your arm still.”
Charlotte nodded, just as the cuff began to inflate. It pulled tight around her upper arm. They stood in silence for a few minutes until the machine beeped. “Normal,” Becky announced. She put two fingers to the inside of Charlotte’s wrist and looked up at the wall. “Normal as well. I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with you.” Becky looked down at her. “I’m not sure what’s going on. I would love to scan your abdomen but I don’t have that luxury. Non-humans don’t seem to have skin like humans, it’s impossible to use the normal equipment to take a look inside.”
“So, I came for nothing then.” Charlotte didn’t mean to sound so rude. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. I guess I’m not in the best space at the moment. You really have no idea what’s wrong with me? All those questions ‒ you really seemed like you had some idea.”
“I have an idea but it’s a little out there.”
“Please tell me.” Charlotte moved to a sitting position.
“You know that elven women develop a womb. I learned this from Esral. They don’t have wombs, they grow them when they need them. They call their womb a garden, and male elf’s sperm ‒ seed ‒ is supposed to simulate the growth of the womb.”
“Yes, I know. Just because I’m bleeding doesn’t mean …” Her mind raced, her heart raced even more. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
Becky shrugged. “I don’t know what to make of this. You should not be bleeding like this. Have you had any tenderness of the breasts? Do they seem bigger than normal?”
“Now that you mention it … wait a minute.” Charlotte stood up. She towered over the little human.
“Headaches? Achy joints? Some women suffer from food cravings. Have you been a little more emotional than normal? More prone to cry or having unexplained bouts of anger?”
Charlotte shook her head. More prone to cry … Hah! She’d just lost the love of her life. Was she sad? Yes! Damn straight. Was she angry? At everything and everyone.
“I think you are menstruating,” Becky said, completely deadpan.
“You think I have my bloods?” Charlotte felt shell-shocked. She felt the color drain from her face. “No, it can’t be! I haven’t had my bloods since I was eighteen, since my growing sac was removed.”
“You have had regular physical contact with an elven male. You have shared DNA. Your ears became more sensitive. It stands to reason that you may have taken on some other traits of the species, such as the ability to develop a womb. I’m sure if you speak with Keto, he will have possibly developed a couple of traits as well. His sense of smell may have improved. Maybe he developed a taste for blood.”
Keto had bitten her on numerous occasions. Maybe …? Surely not. “We weren’t together long enough.” Charlotte shook her head. “How sure are you?”
“I’m not sure at all. That’s why I didn’t want to say anything.” Becky pulled a face. “I wish I could tell you that you definitely grew a womb and that you’re menstruating right now and that you can have children, but I can’t.”
“So what’s wrong with me then?”
“Nothing. You seem fine otherwise. I wish I could give you more. I’m sure the bleeding will clear up in a few days ‒ a week at the most. Let me know if it persists or if your symptoms change. Let me know if you start to feel unwell.”
“There’s nothing more you can do to be sure?”
Becky shook her head. “The only way we would know for sure was if you became pregnant.”
It was like the healer plunged a knife through her heart. A serrated, silver blade. Charlotte sucked in a shaky breath. “That’s not going to happen.”
“I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you and I’m so sorry I don’t have anything more concrete.” Becky shot her another look of pity.
Charlotte walked towards the door. “I’ll be fine. Thank you for your time.” She heard Becky saying goodbye, as she closed the door. Charlotte sucked in a few lungfuls of air, trying to get herself under control.
This didn’t mean anything. It didn’t change anything. There was no way of knowing for sure and therefore she had to stick to her original plan.
She fumbled in her pocket and grabbed her phone. After a few rings, Grace answered. “Hey, how goes it?” Her friend sounded upbeat and happy.
“Actually, that’s why I’m calling. I need you to fill in for me.”
“Sure. What’s up? Having a rough day?” Grace’s voice was filled with concern.
“Yeah, something like that. I might need tomorrow off as well.” Her stomach was cramping and come to think of it, she did have the start of a headache. Charlotte found herself wishing so hard that what Becky had said was true. Not just a probable diagnosis but an actual one. That she was somehow capable of becoming pregnant, of having child
ren. That she could have the male she loved, that they could have a family together. It was almost like the Band-Aid had been ripped off all over again. A tear ran down her cheek. Hot and heavy. “I’m not feeling well, that’s all.” Her voice was a whisper.
“Take all the time you need, hun,” Grace said, her tone soft and soothing. “Let me know if you need anything. I can come over with ice-cream.”
“I’ll be okay … and thank you.” They said their goodbyes and Charlotte headed for her room. It wasn’t good to dwell, to allow herself to wallow. Thing was, she was useless like this. Useless to her staff, to her kings. Two more days and then she’d pick herself up and get back to business.
Five days later …
There was another knock at her door. Louder this time. “It’s me, Becky.” Followed by more knocking. It took her a few moments to realize who the person was, despite the fact that she’d said her name. Now there were several questions running through her head. Things like: What the …? And, why the hell was the human healer at her door?
Probably just to check up on her. Charlotte forced herself out of bed and to the door. She ran a hand through her hair, which caught in the tangles. Her own fault for not brushing it. She still wore the same pajamas she’d changed into the day before and hadn’t brushed her teeth but other than that, she was just dandy. It was her day off damnit … so sue her.
“Hello,” Charlotte said as she opened the door.
The healer wrinkled her nose. “How are you?” She forced a smile. “Nice outfit?”
Charlotte looked down at her rumpled t-shirt and girl boxers, also rumpled. Oops, she had pizza sauce on her right boob. Shit happened! “Um … thanks,” she said even though she knew the human was being sarcastic. “I’m fine, by the way. That little problem cleared up like you said it would.”
“Can I come in?”
Unexpected! For a moment she hesitated. Charlotte was only just getting over her last meeting with Becky, she wasn’t sure she wanted more of the same.
“I won’t take up much of your time,” the healer added.
Charlotte nodded, she opened the door. “Come on in.”
They went through to the living room and sat down. Becky eased herself into a chair, one hand on her swollen belly. Charlotte got back up, feeling rude. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, I’m fine.” Becky smiled. “I’ve been thinking, there might be a way for us to see inside you … although, if you did produce a womb, it might have been a short-term development. What I’m trying to say is that you may no longer have the womb ‒ if you even had one in the first place ‒ but I’d still like to take a look.”
“How would you see inside me? I thought you said it wasn’t possible.” Confusion laced her words.
Becky nodded. “An ultrasound scan is the most frequently used method but that would be out of the question. Thing is, I mostly think in terms of pregnancy or pregnancy prevention, I haven’t really looked too much into fertility ‒ it’s not my specialty, but,” she paused, “since I’m the only doctor in these parts, I figure I’m your best option. The procedure won’t be pleasant. It could be downright painful and you might be sick afterwards. That’s why I can’t do anything like this with a pregnant female or even someone trying to get pregnant ‒ too risky. I’d like you to take a pregnancy test … just as a precaution.”
Shit! Her heart beat faster. “I’m not pregnant!” Charlotte spat. “I’m sorry!” She put up a hand. “It’s such a touchy subject … just thinking about taking a pregnancy test hurts.” Her voice hitched.
“I apologize … I …”
“No.” Charlotte shook her head. “I’m the one who should apologize, you’re just trying to help. I’ll get over myself. Talk me through the procedure, please.” Charlotte smiled. If there was a chance. Even if it was a small one … a teeny tiny one … then she was taking it. Grabbing onto the thing with both hands.
“Okay then.” Becky sucked in a breath. “It’s called a hysteroscopy. I will use a piece of equipment called a hysteroscope, which is a narrow, tube-like device. It’s only about three or four millimeters in diameter. It’s essentially a video camera. I will push that through your cervix opening.”
Becky must have caught the confused look on her face because she added. “That’s the very end of your vagina and it opens onto your womb ‒ that is, if you have a womb. I will look and see what’s in there. You had a partial hysterectomy and your cervix will have been stitched closed … I think.” She widened her eyes. “Truth is, I’m not really sure what they will have done. Now, I can go ahead and do research, speak with the right healers but time might not be on our side, in which case, we need to move fast. I went ahead and chatted with a gynecologist friend of mine and he has a hysteroscope he can lend us if you’re game.”
Her heart raced. Her hands felt clammy. If it turned out that she didn’t have a womb, she’d be upset. If she had a womb and Keto had taken another female, she’d be devastated. There was no way she could leave it though. She had to do this. There was no other way. She needed to be strong, take a chance and hope like hell that things worked out. “Yes, please. I would be very grateful if you would help me. Thank you for coming to see me and thinking of me and—”
“It’s a pleasure. I am hopeful but at the same time, I could have this completely wrong.”
“It’s worth a try.” Charlotte could hear excitement in her voice. Damn, she was excited. She needed to try to calm herself down. “When can you get your hands on the camera device thingy?”
Becky’s eyes glinted. “It arrived today.” She smiled. “I had a feeling what your answer would be.” Her eyes narrowed. “You need to know that if your cervix was stitched closed then I will need to use a silver scalpel to make an opening so that the camera can gain access. I will give you oral painkillers but it’s still going to hurt. The silver will make you sick. You will be looking at a day or two to recover.”
“I’m in,” Charlotte said, her mouth dry.
Chapter 27
“There are eighteen females out there, my lord.” Savar’s frown was deep, his eyes dark.
Keto didn’t say anything. The thought of meeting females enthused him even less than it had before. It made him feel tired. As if all of his strength had been sapped.
“You have to choose one. The council has given you until midnight to pick a female … any female.” His voice was filled with desperation. “You are about to lose your crown, sire. Shall I call for some of the lowborns as well? Maybe one of—”
“No!” Keto shook his head. What was the point? There was only one female for him. He was ruined for anyone else. His heart was taken.
“Keto … forgive me, my lord, but for fuck sakes! Shake it off already.” His friend grabbed him by the upper arms and gave him a physical shake. “This has to stop and it has to stop right fucking now.”
Keto lifted his gaze.
“You are a mess. Look at you …” Savar chastised. “Your hair is overgrown. You have what looks like a dead animal on your face and is that …” He pulled a face. “What is that?” He pointed at Keto’s robe, a look of disgust on his face.
Keto looked down at his blue robe. “Strawberry juice.”
“You look like shit! I doubt any female would take you looking like this and thank the gods for our bad sense of smell! Take a shower, shave, get a damned life.”
“That’s insolence,” Keto said, not putting too much force behind it.
Savar smirked. “Oh really? Give it a couple of hours and it won’t be insolence because you won’t be king … You’ll be nothing,” he raised his voice.
Fuck! Savar was right. He’d delayed and delayed. Had messaged Charlotte regularly for a week solid and intermittently for a few days after that. Out of sheer desperation he’d tried again just the other day and nothing. She had never responded ‒ thank the gods, because he would’ve taken her back. Would’ve risked everything to be with her. He’d gone from sad to angry. So damned angr
y at his people for their stupid rules and stupid terms and outdated ways, but that was why he had to stay ‒ so that he could change things. Not just for himself but for all. Particularly for those without a voice. It was his duty.
Keto sucked in a breath. He scrubbed a hand over his face. Fuck! It was scratchy as hell. Savar was right. “I’ll go and shower … straighten up.”
“Don’t sound so happy about it.”
“Sarcasm does not become you.”
Savar raised his brows looking put out.
“Why are you so prickly anyway?” Keto added. “You have fuck all to be so mopey about.”
“I have blue balls. Blue balls will make any male prickly. I mean, look at you.” Savar gave him a dirty look.
Keto grunted. “Get over it.”
Savar choked out a laugh. “You’re one to talk.”
Keto began to walk towards the stairs that led to his bedroom. “Make sure you shave and wear something clean!” Savar shouted after him. “I’ll go and chat with all of those lovely creatures. I’ll butter them up for you,” he added.
Keto almost smiled. Almost. Because the thought of picking someone made him feel ill. How the hell was he going to do it? It wasn’t fucking possible.
“Why did you stop walking?” Savar said. “You go freshen up. Go! Put one foot in front of the other.”
Keto turned. “I can’t pick one.” He shook his head.
“Yes, you can and you will.”
Keto shook his head. “I really can’t. You need to do it for me.”
Savar frowned. He looked at Keto like he had suddenly grown horns or something. “You’re crazy. We’re talking about your mate here. Someone you will spend the rest of your life with.”
“I love Charlotte.”
Savar rolled his eyes. “I know, but—”
“No one can take her place. I can’t betray her by choosing someone else.”
Savar cursed. “What then? Why not just step down now?”
Wanted By the Elven King (The Chosen Series Book 7) Page 19
