Rest

Rest
Fahmeen’s POV:

“Rolf?”

“Yes?”

“Please… stay safe.”

…

My heart rate stayed elevated. I made no move or sound. The fight had finished. My father’s eyes, watery but still alive stare back at mine. My nails dig into the bark of the armrest. Someone reads out the sentence. Someone else drops my father to his knees. For a few seconds I squeeze my eyes shut. My heart rate stays elevated. The familiar voice calls out to me. But before I open my eyes I remember a treehouse. A dress. Heavy rain and space built for two near the clouds. 
“Fahmeen…?” 

Open. I open my eyes to his gentle call. Heavy tears fall down the cheeks on my face. I don’t look at Oko, only at my father. A heavy hand clasps mine and Rolf says something softly but I can’t look away. Not when it’s the last chance. My father looks at our joined hands, his face as wet as mine and looks to the sky with deep inhale. Then his shoulders settle with the exhale of his body and returns his eyes to me. 
“Forgive me…” His final words.

The hand around my mine tightens when Oko’s sword falls. My body tenses in despair. A scream held prisoner at my throat. I bow my head instead. Having only missed the sight of my father collapsing onto the mud. 

Some time later:

“The executions will be carried out at dawn.” Rolf tells me. The northern traitors that joined Derek and my father. Now all that remained of the enemy were them. Derek escaped on a leaky boat alone, without supplies.

I helped in what I could. Along with Daisy and the Island women, we tended to the wounded so they could get back and fight. The ships came quietly at midnight. So many of them. Rolf, Oko and the chief waited on the shore. Countless faces behind them, waited too. 
I returned from checking on my mother. Oko had spared her following the revelation that she was his mother too. It explained so much. I couldn’t say if it was mercy or pity on Oko’s behalf but I was grateful. 
“The sooner the better.” I replied to his update wearily. Sitting on the sand. I looked towards the sea no longer searching for the answer. Many had gotten theirs today. Covas would be safe now. I watched the ship carrying its new king and queen, sailing for it. A peace descends upon us.
“I have a brother, and a sister too.” I smile Rolf’s way. Oko and Daisy were to be married upon their return. 

Rolf settles next to me, sighing heavily. I take his hand and look up at him. I thanked God he had no serious injuries. A few cuts, some bruises. He presses a slow, kiss to my forehead and watches them also. 

…

My belly was heavy. My body was full. Brimming with anticipation. 
“I am to be a mother today.” I say to Freydis in a whisper. She strokes my hair, hand holding mine. 

The curtains blow in spring breeze. Seasons had changed. My son’s time had come. Labour had been straightforward which I took as a mercy considering the last year. A few more hours pass to the evening and the nurses deliver me my boy. I lay back, exhausted and excited. Ignoring the effects of the afterbirth because when he was placed in my arms, bundled in Rolf’s handmade blanket it was all worth it. Speaking of Rolf, he was making his way back. Business had called him away a few days ago but Freydis’ letter urged him back. A soft cry called for me. His hair was dark blonde, I couldn’t see his eyes. 
“Oh little one.” I cooed. My heart.
The curtains are pushed aside and the room hushes. I smile at Rolf, still wearing his travelling clothes hurries to the bed. Freydis steps back, her hand on his shoulder. 
“I am sorry…” He begins to explain, reaching out to stroke my cheek. 
“No.” I smile, offering our son to him instead. I didn’t need the apology because I knew. I knew he would’ve been here if he could. Rolf takes him, but before allowing the first look he looks toward his mother. 
“Is she well? Are they both?” 
I hear his fears. I settle back into the pillow, watching in tired satisfaction. Freydis presses her cheek to Rolf’s in reassurance, saying to him,
“Look. Look upon your son. Look at the future.” So he did, and when the first tear slipped from his eyes mine closed, succumbing to a much needed rest.