Chapter 60

                                    

                                          
Dick's POV: 
Damian and his wife left under an hour ago, and now we have our guest arriving. Kori stands beside me, ready to pounce at any second. I hold her hand, giving her some peace of mind. Like her, I want to rip off Trigon's head and place it on a stake for all to see, but I can not risk a war. 
Raven had to endure so much growing up, and now that she is part of the family, I will do everything in my power to keep her and her child safe. So today is going to be huge for our family. 
"Be ready," Father announced, as the carriage came into view. "And absolutely no killing without my direct order." 
"Yes, father," my brothers and sisters agreed. 
The carriage pulled to a stop and my father walked down to greet Trigon. They shared a few words before my father turned to us and signaled for us to step forward. I shook Trigon's hand and Kori bowed her head in compliance. 
"Where is my daughter?" Trigon asked when everyone was introduced. 
"She and Damian have gone into town for some shopping. They wanted to make sure the baby had everything so when the time comes, they are ready," Father said, clapping his hand on Trigon's shoulder. 
"They will have a lovely child," Trigon nods. "I can not wait to see my grandchild." 
"Only a month or so left," Father nodded and started to lead Trigon up the steps of the palace. 
"For the woman of my family, they have a tendency of having the child at eight months. Raven herself came early and surprised her mother. I wouldn't be surprised if Raven has the child any day now." Trigon said in a relaxed way. 
"What do you mean?" My father asked, unable to control his shock. I looked to Kori to gauge her reaction, and she was just as shocked as everyone else. 
"Only the men of our family know this, but I see no harm in letting you in," Trigon pats father's shoulder and smiles. "The women born of my bloodline carry their babies for eight months. Not in a hundred years has a child been born after eight months. Raven should be expecting her baby any day now." 
"Oh," Father nods, but I can see the concerned look in his eyes. "Please come this way, my lovely daughter-in-law has planned a nice snack after your long travels. Kori, please escort Trigon to the pateo." 
"Of course," Kori's hand left mine and she walked out of the room with Trigon. I didn't like it, but I knew Kori could handle herself, so I let her go. 
I turned to my father and asked, "What do we do now?" 
"We must tell Damian and Raven the second they step through the doors. Raven won't know this, so you will want to sit her down and break it to her slowly. We don't want to induce labor while Trigon is here." 
"Of course," I nod. "Anything else?" 
"Bring Damian and Raven to me when they arrive and make sure that Lewis is with them at all times." Father orders. 
"Yes," I nod. 
I walk off to the entry, standing at my post and waiting for my brother's return. Father heads outside and hosts our guest, biding time so Trigon doesn't become suspicious of his daughter's disappearance. 
It had been forty-five minutes before I heard the carriage coming to a stop at the front of the castle. I walk out the door and watch as my brother lovingly helps his wife out of the carriage. If I wasn't pressed for time, I would have stopped to admire how my little brother doats on his wife. 
"Damian," I rush down the stairs. 
"What is it?" My brother asks, becoming alert to my presence. 
"Trigon is here. He arrived almost an hour ago," I say, coming to stand near them so I can talk with them without someone overhearing. "And there is something else." 
"What?" Raven asked, suddenly becoming alert. 
"Raven," I took my sister's hand. "Did your father ever talk to you about your mother? About her pregnancy with you?" 
"No," she shakes her head. "He never wanted to talk about my mother." 
"Well, apparently there is something that he hasn't told you," I look into her eyes and sigh. "Your father says that his bloodline has a tendency to have the child at eight months. That means that you have a very good chance of having the baby any day now." 
"No," Raven shakes her head. "That can't be. Are you sure that isn't just some lie?" 
"The doctor has already said that your baby's progress is further along than suspected. If the baby comes today it would be healthy," I try and assure her. 
"No," she shakes her head. "It can't. I can't have the baby. I have another month. I am supposed to have another month. I am not ready. The baby's room isn't made up yet. I... I can't do this." Raven starts ranting, tears prickling her eyes. 
Damian steps forward and hold's his wife as she cries. I feel sorry for her, and I wish there was something I could do for Damian and Raven, but there is nothing that I can say or do to make this any better. 
"Your father is inside but I assume you would need some rest. I can inform him and Father that you both have to take a nap before coming to dinner." I put my hand on my brother's shoulder. "Take Raven inside and talk. Then take an hour to rest and join us for supper." 
"Alright," Damian nods, turning to his wife and helping her up the stairs. 
I sigh, watching them go inside. I wish this wasn't happening right now. If only Trigon wasn't here, everything would feel just a little better. Raven wouldn't have to worry so much and they could just take a moment to breathe. 
And right now, I can see they both need a few days to just be normal for them.