They waited for nearly an hour, and Leona had lost the strength to cry out in pain. She felt as though she had been pulled from the depths of water, her body drenched in sweat.


    Carissa stood by, wiping Leona''s forehead with a cloth and murmuringforting words into her ear. But in her agony, Leona couldn''t process any of it. She felt as if she were on the brink of death. She managed to open her eyes with great effort, but they were vacant and hollow. She forced out a pained whisper, "It''d be better...better to just die."


    "Don''t say such foolish things. Sebastian is almost here," Carissa choked out, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. It was the emotion she feared the most, as it signified her inability to do anything. Tears streamed down Heather''s face. "Leona, please listen to me. Don''t talk like that. Just hold on a little longer. Listen to your cousin. Sebastian ising."


    Leona could only emit feeble groans, her eyes wide and unseeing. All her remaining strength was devoted to fighting the relentless pain. It felt as if her very insides were being twisted and turned, and she could hardly bear it. Outside the room, Dorothy finally fell silent and felt fear creeping into her heart. She had initially thought that the impact to Leona''s belly might just lead tobor, but she never expected the severity of the situation. She wasn''t worried about Leona. She was worried that if something happened to Leona, it would implicate Samuel. If the king were to unleash his fury, the Earl of Gracehold''s family would likely cease to exist. Samuel''s life would likely be forfeit as well.


    Realizing this, Dorothy began to tremble. She cast several discreet nces at the nearby servants, signaling them to find someone who could release Samuel and ensure he fled for his life.


    The servants understood her intent, and went to gather a few guards to help with Samuel''s release. However, Leah caught wind of their n. With a sharp crack of her whip, she drove them back. "Who dares to set him free? Without Lady Carissa''s order, I''ll bind anyone who tries!"


    Leah knew the people in Gracehold Estate well. Others might hesitate, but that old woman would never allow her grandson toe to harm. If Dorothy sensed even the slightest hint of danger, she would see to it that he escaped. So Leah stood guard, determined not to let anyone approach him.


    Just when everyone was feeling anxious, na rushed in at lightning speed, carrying Sebastian on her back. Sebastian''s face was pale.


    "I can walk myself!" he protested.


    He wasn''t on hisst legs, so being carried by a woman was just humiliating. It wasn''t dignified at all!


    na moved like a gust of wind, darting straight from the outer room into the delivery room before finally setting Sebastian down.


    Once his feet hit the ground, Sebastian steadied himself and then kicked na lightly. "You''ve embarrassed me."


    Breathless, na shot back, "You can scold meter. Right now, we need to check on Lady Leona!"


    From behind the partition screen, the royal physician called out urgently, "The duchess is of royal blood. How can a man enter during herbor?" Heather was taken aback and raised her hand to stop Sebastian. "You... You should stay behind the partition screen."


    Sebastian nced at Leona, and immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. His expression


    darkened "This is a matter of life etContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    and death! Are we really going to worry about decorum now? Is it a choice between life and reputation?"


    Outside, Dorothy began to protest. "This can''t happen! It will ruin the duchess'' honor! If a woman loses her honor, it''s like losing her life!"


    "Silence!" Carissa shouted. She


    pushed Heather aside with one


    hand, and used her other to push Abigail away. "Sebastian, please check on her. She''s in terrible pain!"


    "No, Carissa, you can''t harm your cousin like this-" Heather hadn''t finished her sentence before Violet stepped in and dragged her out.


    "You can stay outside. Don''t go in!" Violet positioned herself at the curtain. Her arms were crossed defiantly over her chest, barring anyone from entering.


    After checking Leona''s pulse,


    Sebastian''s expression shifted. He pressed against her belly through the fabric to confirm what he felt After doing so, he spoke in a grave tone. The child is likely gone. Our priority now is to save the mother."


    "Gone?" Abigail swayed unsteadily, but she quickly steadied herself. "Sebastian, please save Leona!"