The Calm Before the Storm (ch5)

 

 

Chapter 5/ O’Brien

 

The tension was soaring high in Donnel’s life. He was not making any headway with the peace negotiations between his kingdom and a Norman Lord who was trying to seize Thomand out from under him. Donnel had been king for only a short while and within that time his kingdom had been chosen by many Norman barons for acquisition with King Henry’s consent. After he named himself Lord of Ireland, there was nothing anyone could do about the King sharing out land to all of his chief vassals. With little hope and withering self confidence, Donnel returned home to see his family. He knew that when he saw them it would cure his despondent frame of mind.

An Uncertain King (ch4)

 

Chapter 4 O’Brien

After a short time of being the King of Thomand, Donnel was weary.  The mental demands were consuming him as the kingdoms were now under so much threat from the Normans. His emotional state was strained for he missed his family immensely. His baby girl, Slaney, was a mere 3 months old and he had hardly seen her since her birth. He had been told that she resembled him, but he would have to wait until his next trip home to see for himself.

The Twins (ch. 3)

Chapter 3/ O’Brien

 

 

Life was hectic for Urlachen and Donnel. Caring for the twins was hard work but it was something they wished to experience together rather than leave in the hands of a servant or two. They did receive minimal help, but for the most part they met most of their children’s needs. Even when passing each other in the halls during three am feedings and diaper changes, they managed a weary smile of gratitude.

Urlachen’s delicate condition (ch.2)

 

Chapter 2 / O’Brien 

   

During the early days of Urlachen’s pregnancy, she found herself constantly sick and queasy. She had no idea it would be so tough to bring forth a life. She had heard tales of a “woman’s glow” and the euphoric feelings of being pregnant. She had also heard that your beauty increased while pregnant. Urlachen found this to be questionable since all she did was sleep and throw up. She felt awful and was pretty sure she looked awful. She tried to eat more food and special herbs but couldn’t seem to manage keeping it down. She tried to walk through the gardens daily for exercise but was always overcome with nausea and had to race for the chamber pot. 

 

Donnel was worried about her and the babe inside her. He had never seen someone in her condition and was constantly calling for the doctor who kept reassuring him that this was the normal path of pregnancy. He also informed him that this would soon pass and that she would feel normal again. Still Donnel watched Urlachen closely. He would even check on her while she slept, which was much of the time.

 

Donnel admitted he would like a son, and like any member of royalty an heir was of utmost importance. Urlachen wished for a boy as well. It was her duty to produce an heir and she prayed most nights for God to help her with this task.  

When Urlachen was further along she did feel better. She was able to take walks with Donnel and talk about their baby who Donnel would talk to regularly. Urlachen knew Donnel would be a wonderful father. He was a joyful man like his father with much patience. He was very close to his father which was rare these days especially since his father was so busy ruling a kingdom. He always made time for his sons though. They hunted, fished, and rode horses frequently. He was also an educated man who insisted on his sons learning to read and write perfectly, to study Latin and Greek, and to be current with the new sciences and of course theological studies. Urlachen and Donnel would would spend the days reading together and just sitting with each other by the fire.

This time together was special because it would be the last time they would truly be alone. Once the baby was born and more children came along, life would be a constant string of days devoted to raising their children. This was something they both looked forward to but what they didn’t realize was exactly how much their lives would change.

They had visitors as well During this time. When the fighting had stopped and Urlachen’s father was in
England, her mother and sister made the trip to see them on several occasions. Each time Urlachen’s pregnant belly increased dramatically in size. She was so happy to spend time with her family and hated to see them leave each time. One day while walking outside near the gates Urlachen recognized a man walking on the path. It was her old friend Michan Donnely, who she hadn’t seen in months. Michan was a widowed man with a teen daughter who worked on the grounds of the castle she grew up in. She had befriended him long ago when she heard of his situation. Since her marriage and move to Thomand, she hadn’t seen many familiar faces, so this was a welcomed meeting.

“Michan Donnely! Is that you?” Urlachen asked with a big smile.

“Yes Princess O’Brien.  It is wonderful to meet you here. How have you been?” Michan asked with a bow, observing her heavy with child.

“I have been wonderful. We are expecting our child very soon as you can tell. How is Leinster and what brings you way out here in the west?” Urlachen asked very interested in his reply.

“I am working here for a while, very close by in fact. I have just obtained a horse for my services so it was well worth the long trip. I will be heading home tomorrow to be with my daughter who is staying with a neighbor lady. This certainly is beautiful country.” Michan answered with a smile. “I haven’t been to the castle for a long time since the battle ended. I did help with the cleanup and repairs and your mother was very generous.”

“Well next time you are here in Thomand, send me a message so we may see you for a formal gathering. Have a safe trip home and tell your daughter Almaith I send my best.” Urlachen said as she shook Michan’s hand.

“Thank you for your kindness Princess O’Brien. I wish you and your baby well. I will pray for your health and happiness. Please offer my well wishes to Prince O’Brien.” Michan said with sincerity for he had always appreciated her kindheartedness.  ————————————————————————————————–A few months later on a cold evening in December, Urlachen felt poorly. Her back ached and she was feeling unfamiliar pains. She had Donnel send for the doctor since she knew the day would be here soon for the birth. She suddenly panicked with fear and anxiety at the realization that this may be the night she would deliver her baby. The unknown was what frightened her and the intimidating thought of becoming a mother. All of a sudden she felt uncertain and had concerns she hadn’t considered before. 

The pains were worsening and she felt like she should lie down. When Donnel returned she saw the look in his eyes and all of her doubts disappeared. She knew everything would be wonderful as long as he was there with her. The doctor arrived with the midwife. Urlachen’s ladies helped her into the room she would give birth in. She would have to leave her husband at this time, something she did not want to do.

“Please send word to my mother as soon as you can.” She asked as she walked towards the door with help from her ladies.

“Of course I will my dear Urlachen. I will wait for you here. Just know that I am here and that I love you. I will be praying for you and our child.” Donnel replied as he held her hand and kissed her goodbye. He could only stand there by the door and watch her leave. He stood there for a long time straining to hear something but there was only silence. 

He moved to a chair close to the door where he would stay for hours and hours waiting for someone to come and tell him how she was.  

The next morning, several hours after she had left him alone to worry and pace, the midwife emerged from the room with a joyous look on her face.

“Prince Donnel, I am happy to relay to you that your wife has delivered two healthy baby boys! You are to be congratulated for it is considered a mark of fertility and a gift from God to born multiple babies at one time.” She announced with delight.

“Two babies? I don’t believe it. How is Urlachen? Is she okay? When may I see her and my boys?” Donnel asked in a happy state of shock.

“Soon Prince Donnel. She is doing well but she is very tired. You need to arrange the baptism which must be done by tomorrow. As soon as Urlachen has fed the babies you may see her. This is a wonderful day for the Kingdom of Thomand.” The midwife explained with a smile as she walked back into the room.

A faint cry could be heard from inside and Donnel felt a tear trickle down his cheek. Two healthy sons and a wife I adore. I am truly blessed, he thought while more tears streamed down his cheek. His heart felt like it could burst with happiness.

The Wedding Night (O’Brien ch.1)

 

 

 

Prince Donnel and Princess O’Brien of Thomand

(chapter 1)

 

Princess Urlachen Macmurrough-O’Brien. She had the misfortune of being the daughter of King Dermott MacMurrough of
Leinster. She was finally married to her longtime love Prince Donnel of Thomand, on a spring day in May. Amongst the beauty and declarations of love there was chaos coming in the days ahead. War was imminent between her father’s kingdom and three other clans. The high king of Ireland had ordered the exile of King Dermott which would be executed by King O’Rourke. In return Dermott kidnapped his wife (she went willingly for they had been lovers for many years) and refused her return. The siege on the MacMurrough castle began three days after the wedding. Urlachen would have no contact with her family who still remained in the castle, this was deeply troubling for her.

 

The first night in the castle as man and wife was truly the night they had waited years for, but unfortunately it was bittersweet. Urlachen wished she could fully embrace the happiness she felt, but she was terribly afraid for her family who even though they were only five miles away, to Urlachen they seemed completely out of reach.

 

When it was time for the newly married royals to retire to their chamber that first night, Urlachen realized how nervous she actually was. The big four poster bed looked somewhat intimidating. She looked at Donnel to find some signs of uneasiness in his face but only found the big smile he usually wore. She had spoken to her mother and some other ladies of the castle with whom she was close about what to expect on this special night. She hoped it would be magical but she knew better, she only hoped her new husband would be pleased.

“Are you okay my dear wife?” Donnel asked as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Oh yes. I am just anxious and a little nervous.” She confessed into his big green eyes.

“I am a little nervous also, but you shouldn’t be. I am now your husband and I will take care of you now and for our entire lifetime.” He whispered as he lifted her and carried her to their bed.

The next morning they awoke at the same time and stared into each others smiling eyes. Neither wanted to rise for the day, so they stayed together for hours until the late afternoon.

When hunger called them they dressed and emerged from their chamber. A feast of warm bread, cheese, and cider awaited them and as they ate their fill their eyes were still fixed on one another. But still in the pit of Urlachen stomach was a gnawing ache of concern for her family. She didn’t want to feel it, she wanted to just cherish each new moment with Donnal, but it was there every time her thoughts turned from joy to worry. Donnel knew that his new wife was troubled and tried very hard to keep her mind off of the coming trouble.                  

 

After 2 months of wedded bliss as well as constant worry for her family, Urlachen realized that she may be with child. It had occurred to her one day while strolling through the garden.  She couldn’t wait to tell Donnel. She sent for him by way of messenger and he arrived soon thereafter to a smiling and excited Urlachen. When she relayed her news, Donnel was ecstatic. He grabbed her and swung her around, then realizing her delicate state apologized and was immediately concerned for her health. Childbirth was dangerous in those days, he couldn’t bear to think of anything going wrong.

 

“How do you feel? Are you sure? Should we call the doctor to make sure?” Donnel asked all at once losing his breath. He clutched her arm as he tried to help her along back to the castle.

 

“I am fine Donnel, I only realized it an hour ago.” She said laughing.” Yes I do think we should notify the doctor, and your family needs to know soon as well. They will be most excited.” Urlachen said, overjoyed at the thought of producing an heir for Donnel.

 

  

“I will ride over to see them later today after the doctor has seen you. I am so happy Urlachen, you have done well.” Donnel said as he kissed her lightly on her hand.

 

 

 

Shortly after it was confirmed by the doctor of Urlachen’s condition, news of the battle in
Leinster had reached her. Every evening Urlachen would wait by the window in hopes of getting a return message from her family, still blocked inside the castle of her childhood. Urlachen had sent messages to the castle but was never sure if they had reached her Mother since no reply was ever returned. One evening a knight rode up to the castle grounds within sight of Urlachen. She immediately became hopeful that it was a message from her mother and sister. As the knight walked closer and removed his helmet she realized it was Finn Archid. Her sister Aoife’s Finn! Urlachen was thrilled. She called for Donnel and then proceeded to open the door to receive him. When Finn walked in she immediately hugged him for it had been so long since she had seen anyone from her old life. It was a bit of an awkward hug but Finn understood the reason for it.

 

“Finn Archid! I am so happy to see you. How are my mother and sister? What is the news from home? Is the battle over?” Urlachen asked quickly, she had so many questions and so little breath. She instantly felt lightheaded from the excitement.

“I too am happy to see you Urlachen. It has been a long time and so much has happened. Yes, your mother and sister are fine, and I must say I think the battle will be over soon. Not in your father’s favor I am afraid.” Finn replied sadly.

Urlachen noticed that he looked exhausted and quite thin. The last few months must have been dreadful for him. That moment Donnel arrived, joyful at the sight of Urlachen’s smile.

 

“Good to see you Finn. How is everything in
Leinster?” Donnel asked as he shook Finn’s hand.

“The news is not good Donnel. We are losing the battle and the provisions are running out. I am here only because Aoife begged me to come and let you know that they are well. They have received your messages and they were so eager to get them. Oh yes, Urlachen and Donnel congratulations to you both on your joyous news. Your Mother and sister are so pleased to hear of your impending birth.” Finn conveyed happily to Urlachen and Donnel.

“Thank you Finn, we are pleased as well. You must be weary from your travels. Let us sit down and talk so you may rest.” Donnel answered. He needed to for Urlachen was tearful upon hearing the well wishes from her mother. She missed her dreadfully.

 

They sat by the fire and spoke for a while about the goings on in the castle. Finn spoke of the truce and possible exile of her father. Urlachen wasn’t too sorry to hear about that, she would accept it without question if it meant an end to this war, and for her to be with her mother and sister again. When it was time for Finn to go, Urlachen hastily wrote a letter to her Mother for Finn to give her. It took a while to write for her tears were blurring the words on the paper.