Nine Months Later:
Radulf paced anxiously outside the chamber, his heart pounding every time Zenna's cries of pain echoed through the thick wooden door. His fists were clenched, and worry was etched deep across his face.
"I should be by my wife's side," Radulf muttered under his breath, unable to bear the helplessness any longer.
The servants rushed to stop him, but Radulf pushed past them without hesitation. He shoved open the door to the birthing room, his eyes immediately finding Zenna.
"Zenna!" he called out as he hurried to her side. Her face was pale, glistening with sweat, her body trembling with effort. Radulf knelt beside her, gently placing his hand on her forehead, trying to soothe her with his touch.
"I couldn't stay outside," he said hoarsely. "I'm staying here — right here with my wife." He turned to the midwife and assistants, his voice steady despite the fear in his chest. "Start the procedure. I'll stay."
