"Push, darling! You must push!"

Alice had been in labor for seven hours straight, and was now in the process of pushing the baby out. If it weren't for Ilosovic's constant encouragement, she would have given up in her exhaustive state.

"Your Majesty, you're almost there. One more push." The doctor said.

Ilosovic gave Alice an assuring smile, and then used his hand to wipe the sweat off her brow. Alice nodded and took a tight hold on Ilosovic's hand, and gave one final push. Soon, the two heard the sound of a newborn's wail.

"Congratluations, your Majesties. It's a girl." The doctor wrapped the newborn in a blanket and handed her to Alice.

"I want to name her Helen. Is that all right?" Alice looked up at Ilosovic.

"I believe it suits her." Ilosovic gave Alice a kiss on the lips. "I'm very proud of you, darling."

"You should be proud of yourself. You did have some part in all this."

Ilosovic chuckled quietly and gave Alice another kiss. But it was cut short when Alice began to moan, almost like she was in pain.

"Alice, what's wrong?" Ilosovic asked, running his fingers through Alice's hair.

"Something's wrong." Alice continued to moan.

"Doctor!' Ilosovic shouted.

The doctor, who had turned around to clean himself up, was surprised to see Alice in so much pain. He quickly ran to check her, and took Helen from her arms, handing her to his assistant.

"I need you to leave, your Majesty. Now!"

"What for? Why can't I stay?" Ilosovic was pushed towards the door. "What's wrong with her? Why is she in pain?"

"I'll find out soon enough. Now leave." The doctor was now beginning to sound nervous.

Ilosovic was pushed into the hall. "What's wrong with my wife?"

The door was closed in front of Ilosovic's face. Once he heard Alice calling out for him, he tried to open the door, but it was locked. He stepped away from the door, and began to pace up and down the hall. Soon, Nivens rounded the corner and approached him.

"Oh, sire! I've just heard the good news about the Queen. But why are you here? Shouldn't you be with her?"

Ilosovic looked down at Nivens. "Something's happened."

"The baby-"

"No, the baby is fine. She's perfectly healthly." Ilosovic looked towards the door. "It's Alice."

"Is she dead?" Nivens asked.

Ilosovic swallowed hard. "No, she isn't dead." He moved towards a chair. "At least, I hope not. "

Ilosovic sat down and buried his face in his hands. Nivens cautiously approached him, not wanting to upset him further.

"I almost lost her once. If she dies now...I don't know what I'll do without her. Julius and Helen will need their mother, and I would need...McTwisp, I love her. I never thought it would be possible to love her this much. But it is. I'd die without her."

"She may not die, sir. You must have hope." Nivens said.

The door suddenly opened, and the doctor stepped into the hall, wiping blood off his hands. His face was pale and his expression was blank. This frightened Ilosovic, and he ran into the chamber.

There, he saw a weakened Alice, laying in bed and holding two small newborns in her arms. Ilosovic was surprised, to say the least. Alice finally noticed him and gave him a smile.

"Two girls, Ilosovic." Alice said.

Ilosovic knelt at Alice's bedside, and gave her a kiss. "I thought you were dead. But this...I never would have thought it."

"Neither would I. I was so sure we'd only have one." Alice looked back down at the twin girls. "But this is wonderful. Two special gifts. Two tiny blessings. I've never been happier."

Ilosovic allowed one of the twins to grasp onto his finger. "Well, we've named one Helen. What about this little gift?"

"Well, I've always been fond of the name Sarah."

"Sarah?" Ilosovic began to ponder for a moment, before he smiled. "Very well." He kissed Alice on the forehead.

"I love you, Ilosovic."

"I love you to."