"What is wrong!"
They looked up to see Nightingale running over, having heard Iris's cries.
"Iris is in labor," Mikhail explained, too worried to keep up the façade of coldness towards his estranged cousin. "We must get Lady Copperstone."
"No," Nightingale said, shucking off her coat and laying it over Iris. "She is too far away. It would take too long. Iris is in distress. Let me handle it."
"Are you a midwife?" Olga asked, curious about this newcomer.
"A minstrel," Nightingale replied without looking up. "I am Nightingale Copperstone."
"Ah," Olga said with recognition. She knew from word of mouth that a disgraced cousin had taken up residence in one of the stables. This clarified a few things. She glanced at Mikhail, but whatever he might have held against his cousin seemed to have been laid aside. His eyes were only for his fiancé.
Nightingale continued. "I was raised in the Copperstone family before going my own way, so I am familiar with birthing horses. I hope this is similar enough."
"Let us both hope."
As it turned out, it was very different. Iris's labor was a lot more difficult than that of a horse, though after the first baby emerged, the other two followed much more easily. It seemed Iris's more flexible body just needed to get started. The whole time, Nightingale supported her and lent her magic to assist when needed.
Soon, Nightingale was passing the last baby to Iris's eager arms. With Mikhail at her side and three babies upon her breasts, the new mother made for a beautiful sight even in her tired state.
Nightingale sat back to catch her breath. The experience had exhausted her. On the side, Olga had to admire this woman, perhaps not noble in trade or reputation but certainly noble in character. Truly, the king could use this kind of person. She opened her mouth to say as much only for Mikhail to speak first.
"Cousin." Before they knew it, Mikhail had drawn Nightingale into a firm embrace. "Thank you," he said, his voice shaking.
The minstrel seemed shocked, but she slowly returned the embrace. "It was nothing."
"No." Mikhail drew back and looked her in the eye. "You were under no obligation to help us after how we treated you. We have wronged you. For that, I am deeply sorry. Please, if you are willing, would you honor us by staying with us at the mansion?"
Nightingale's eyes went wide before tears began to form. "Yes. Oh, yes, cousin!" This time, she threw herself at him and held him tight. Inside, she congratulated her brother on his quick thinking and acting skills.
Olga was trying hard not to cry at this touching scene. It was like a fairytale, really, and despite all the things she had seen during the rebellion, she still had a soft spot for happy endings. "I congratulate you all on your reconciliation. As a sign of goodwill on behalf of the king, i would also like to contribute something to this occasion."