"I know." She buries her face in his chest, wrapping her arms around him as if he might disappear otherwise. They did everything right, and they lost their son anyway. After everything the Maker's given them, He had to take away the one thing she'd give anything to keep.

It comes back to her. It always comes back to her in her mind. Her small stature, whatever it is about her womb that made it impossible for the baby to grow properly, the day she climbed a ladder to look at something in the stables even though she thought she probably oughtn't. There are a dozen ways she can blame herself, and she's willing to accept every one.

Betrys is trying her best not to start crying again, but a few tears leak out onto his shirt. "I'm sorry, Cullen. I'm so sorry."