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I have already been in bed for a couple of hours when I hear Rhin enter the room and feel the mattress shift under his weight as he lies down. In that time, I haven't gotten any rest, tossing and turning to find a way to lie comfortably. Every time I think I got it; one of the triplets decides it's time for them to kick. This inevitably results in either making the once comfortable position feel like I might as well be lying on concrete or making me need to get up to go to the bathroom. So when Rhin presses against my back and gently puts his arm around me, I don't feel comforted as I usually would Instead I feel nothing but annoyance towards him. Is it irrational? Yes. Am I very much aware that it is? Also yes. However, at this moment I couldn't care less. When I hear him sigh as he gets comfortable, I can't help myself. I huff and push his arm off me. Moving away to get out of bed and instead sit down in one of the chairs in the room. As soon as I do Rhin sits back up in bed looking towards me.
"Is something wrong?"
His voice is full of worry, which for some reason only annoys me even more. I mean obviously something is wrong so why even bother asking that?
"No everything is perfect."
My words are dripping with sarcasm as I sink deeper into the chair while pouting. He calmly gets out of bed and makes his way towards where I'm sitting, kneeling in front of me to look me in the eyes.
"Please, tell me what is bothering you. I'll do everything in my power to help."
When I catch a glimpse of the concern on his face I feel a pang of guilt. I know it isn't fair to take my frustrations out on him it just feels so unfair that he gets to sleep soundly while I must go through all this.
"Well,” I start “my back hurts, and so do my feet, and I'm hungry all the time, but then when I try to eat something nothing tastes good, and I'm tired but I can't sleep, and none of my clothes fit me, and earlier today when I tried to put on my shoes, I couldn't even reach my feet to tie them."
It seems that once I've started the words just keep tumbling out. After I've finished my little rant, I take a deep breath and look to Rhin waiting for him to respond. He moves to lift me from the chair sitting down himself and placing me on his lap. While doing so he chuckles slightly.
"You know, I'm always more than happy to help you tie your shoes if you need me to."
"It's not funny Rhin, I feel awful"
I pout in response, burying my face in his neck.
"I know my love, I'm sorry"
He puts his arm around me running his hand up and down my back in a comforting manner.
"If I could take this burden from you I would."
It takes me a moment before I say anything.
"I'm sorry too, I know it's not your fault."
I mumble the words into his neck as I feel the first warm tears start to roll down my cheeks.
"Please don't be. I know this is hard for you."
He places a soft kiss on my hair as he continues to hold me close letting me sit for as long as I need. The comfortable silence has lingered for so long that when Rhin finally speaks up again it almost startles me.
"I might have something that can help. At least a little."
Despite my somber mood I can't help but be a little curious about what this magical cure all might be. I dry my eyes as I ask him.
"What is it?"
"How about I show you instead?"
Before I can ask any further questions Rhin lifts me into his arms. I'm well aware that he's strong but I still can't help but be a little impressed by the ease with which he carries me through the hallways despite my current condition.
I'm not sure where we're going until we reach our destination. We enter the room to the baths that used to belong to Akhelios.
It would appear that the baths are still frequently used. Steam fills the room along with the distinctive smell of the minerals in the water. Rhin gently places me on a small ledge jutting out from the base of one of the columns in the room. He reaches to remove my clothes but before he can do so he pauses looking at me with such love in his eyes that it makes me melt.
"May I? I think the water can help alleviate some of your discomfort."
I nod, too lost in his eyes to answer. As he starts to remove my clothes, I close my eyes enjoying the feeling of his gentle hands on my body. After he has removed my clothes, he moves on to his own. Once we are both left bare, he picks me up again carrying me to the water before gently placing me into it. The feeling truly is heavenly, and a soft sigh escapes me as my body is submerged in the water. The warmth from it soothes my aching muscles and the weight of my stomach lessens as the water helps support it. With one arm around my chest, Rhin ensures my head stays above the surface as he allows me to lean back into his chest able to completely relax. I struggle to remember another time when I felt so at peace as I do right now. Rhin runs his hand gently through my hair. The room is silent, neither of us feeling the need to speak simply enjoying each other's presence. I let my eyelids close as I focus on the steady sound of Rhin's heartbeat.
I don't realize I've fallen asleep before I wake up what must be several hours later. While falling asleep in a bath is certainly not the wisest when you don't have gills it seems my worries are unfounded as Rhin is still behind me holding my head. I immediately feel guilty again, this time because he's had to stay awake the whole time while I slept. I turn around, Rhin loosening his grip around me when he realizes I'm awake.
"I'm so sorry Rhin!"
His brow furrows slightly in confusion.
"What are you sorry for?"
"I didn't mean to fall asleep; you must be tired after having to stay like that for so long."
Rhin just smiles at me, gently pulling me into a soft embrace.
"You have carried our children every day for months now I don't mind holding you for one night if it means giving you a chance to rest."