Chapter 11: The Discovery
A few weeks had passed Clarisse and Joseph were anxiously awaiting and preparing for Pierre's and Charlotte's wedding. Pierre was spending quite a bit of time at the palace getting prepared for the big day. The wedding was only a few days away. The whole family was excited. Charlotte was starting to feel the strain. She was constantly tired and her nerves were on edge. She knew she wanted to marry Pierre, but this was a big step. Seeing her wonderful love Pierre every couple of days helped though.
Joe brought to Clarisse's attention three days before the wedding about an announcement being made of her condition. "Clarisse, I think we should tell the country after the sonogram you have today. You cannot hide It much longer that you are pregnant. The dress for the wedding will not hide your condition," said Joe pleadingly. Clarisse sighed, "I know Joe. I plan on making the announcement later today. I cannot believe the growth of this child and I am only three months. I was not this big yet with either of the boys. I am going to look like a huge whale till this is over." Joe did not see her that way. His love grew for her as the pregnancy progressed. Today they were going to see the child for the first time. "You are beautiful more now with child than you were before Clarisse," Joe said lovingly while caressing her abdomen area. He sealed his statement with a quick kiss.
Laying on the examination table in the doctor's office with Joseph's hand in hers. Clarisse was worried about the child within her. She often prayed the child would not be Rupert's; because of the way the child was conceived. She still had nightmares about that night. Then the doctor opened the door. " Well Queen Clarisse, I guess ou are anxious to see the baby on the monitor. Would you like to know the sex," asked the doctor. Clarisse reflected for a second, and then nodded her head.
Okay your Majesty. This gel will be very cold as it goes on." Clarisse gasped from the chill of the gel then relaxed. As the doctor was getting the machine set up Clarisse said, "Doctor, I am worried about my size. I was never this big at three months?" "Well your Majesty all pregnancies are different," said the doctor as he touched the instrument to her stomach. "Would you like to hear the heartbeat." "Yes," said Joseph a little excitedly. "Oh, here we go," he turned up the volume so they could hear. His ears heard something he thought was strange, and Clarisse thought the heartbeat was a little strange to. Then realization hit him. "Let us see if we can find the baby now," said the doctor. Clarisse was concerned and Joe noticed. Joe wondered what was going on; because she did not become really concerned until she heard the heartbeat.
"Well, well I see the reason for your weight gain, and the irregular heartbeat your majesty. You are carrying twins. See here this one is a boy. You can clearly see," then he moved the instrument on the other side of her stomach. "And this baby is clearly a baby girl. They both look perfectly healthy and developed properly for three month old fetuses," he was smiling at them as Clarisse was shocked by the news. Joseph was just as shocked. The doctor wiped the gel off of Clarisse's abdomen, and said he would give her time to get dressed. As soon as she was dressed the doctor returned.
"Your Majesty, I want you to start taking at easy. Give more of your responsibility to Prince Phillip. Eat food within reasonable amounts. Do some light exercise everyday. Get rid of the stress mainly. Joseph, you are her personal bodyguard I want you to make sure she follows these orders. One more thing, you may dance at Pierre's wedding, but do not overdue it. Any questions?" asked the doctor. Joe promised before leaving, " I will make sure she listens doctor."
Joe helped Clarisse into the limosine. She had really not said much since they found out it was twins. "Clarisse, how are you? I know this is a lot to take in. I still love you, and you need to make that announcement this afternoon. So you need to get over the shock," said Joe holding her in his arms. He heard Clarisse start to cry then she held her hand to her stomach, "Oh Joe darling, twins and one is a baby girl. You will not believe how long I have waited for a baby girl," said Clarisse.
The afternoon announcement went well as Clarisse wore one of her new maternity outfits. The press and the whole country was excited about the upcoming new arrivals.