Olga sighed as if reluctant about what she had to say. "It has been decided that, for added insurance, I must insist that Lady Iris give birth immediately."
Mikhail and Iris stood in silence. "Immediately!? But why?"
The Horse Witch grimaced but stood her ground. "The king has demanded that we bear witness to Jaelynn's birth, to make certain her changes are complete and not undone."
Iris rubbed her belly and looked at Mikhail. "Well, I am nearly there, anyway, love. I see no harm in it, really."
Olga looked away. "I must also inform you that, as I am a Horse Witch, my spell for accelerating pregnancy only works safely if the subject is a horse."
"You mean..."
"Yes. But Lady Iris is a Horse Witch. She can take her horse form without harming her children." Olga held out a hand. "Please, come with me, Lady iris."
Resigned, Iris took the woman's hand and allowed herself to be led back to the barn. Mikhail was somewhat relieved that the recent activities were on hold, or maybe even concluded. The stalls were now full of pregnant mares, each one marked with the name of its new occupant. To the side, the studs were safely secured.
The only disturbing thing remaining were the Horse Witches standing there expectantly. Obviously, Iris would not be given any privacy. Undeterred, she obediently went to the middle of the room and prepared herself.
At Olga's nod, Iris shifted to her Witch's Pony form. The Horse Witches gasped appreciatively at her exceptional quality. Mikhail felt an odd sort of pride before chiding himself. It had nothing to do with him, he reminded his heart. Still, he enjoyed seeing Iris getting some recognition.
Olga cast her spell. The effects were subtle, since Iris's belly was already quite prominent. Then, she let out an urgent whinny and went into labor.
Things moved quickly from there as Iris was assisted through the birth. Before long, two lovely foals were trying to stand on their shaky little hooves.
Mikhail breathed a sigh of relief. One good thing in all this was that the presence of so many Horse Witches ensured Iris's safety. Already, her body was fully healed.
He turned to Olga to thank her for the assistance only to see her face filled with regret. "Olga? What is wrong?"
"The king...has also decided that Lady Iris must now be impregnated again."
Mikhail turned pale. "What? Impregnated how?"