Expecting
Sofia stirred and opened her eyes to find herself alone in the bed she normally shared with her husband. A sense of loneliness filled her heart as she slid a hand over the mattress to the other side, where the sheets were cold to the touch. Usually, she and her husband would cuddle under the covers together, whispering words of love until they drifted of to dreamland. But, alas, he wasn't here, nor would he be for a few more nights.
Sighing, the young woman pushed back the covers and sat up. It was after midnight, and the moon shone through the windows, washing the room in its silver glow. Sofia moved to the edge of the bed and slipped her feet into soft slippers before standing up and making her way to the window seat. Sitting down on the comfortable cushions, she opened the window a few inches to let in some fresh air. It was a beautiful, clear night. The stars twinkled like jewel that could never be touched. The moonlight was soft and gentle, giving the kingdom a sense of peace and tranquility.
Sofia hummed softly as she gazed out at the sleeping kingdom. Absentmindedly, she laid one hand on her swollen stomach, smiling when she felt a little kick, The loneliness she'd been feeling a minute ago melted away to be replaced by overwhelming love. Of course, she wasn't entirely alone. A new life was growing within her womb.
"Hi there, little one," she murmured, leaning back against a fluffy pillow as she continued to gaze outside. "It's such a beautiful night. Oh, I wish you could see it, but it's not time for you to come into the world just yet. But don't worry. There will be plenty of nights like this when you're here with us." She sighed happily and caressed her belly. "Your father and I can't wait to meet you. Neither can the rest of the family."
A gentle breeze blew through the partially open window as the expectant mother fell into a thoughtful silence. When she first announced she was pregnant, her whole family had been thrilled. The baby would be Roland and Miranda's first grandchild, so, of course, the king and queen were elated. As for her siblings⦠Sofia couldn't help laughing at the thought of the twins. Amber hoped the baby was a girl so she could dress her in the finest gowns and tiaras. James, on the other hand, wanted a boy so he could teach him how to become a knight.
"Of course, it doesn't matter to me if you're a boy or a girl," Sofia mused, placing both hands on her stomach. "I will love you either way. We don't have a name picked out yet, but we do have a list of names we like. Since I was a commoner before I was a princess, I'd like to give you a simple name; not something like Adrianna Evangeline Patrice." A mirthful smile graced her lips. "And, yes, your Aunt Amber really did suggest that." She laughed when she felt another kick. "You don't like that name? It's pretty, but it's more Amber's type. I think I'll just stick with names like Sarah or Martin."
Suddenly, the princess gasped and sat up, staring hopefully at the night sky. A gleeful smile crossed her face when she spotted a ball of light making its way across the heavens. It was followed by several more meteors. Sofia hummed in delight as she watched the unexpected meteor shower. I know it seems silly, she thought, but I just want to make a quick wish. She closed her eyes and whispered, "I wish my baby, whether it's a boy or a girl, will have a good life and experience all the wonderful things the world has to offer, just like I do." She opened her eyes and looked back at the sky, not noticing the faint glow of her amulet.
After a few more minutes of stargazing, Sofia walked back to her bed and snuggled under the covers. She was soon fast asleep, dreaming of being wrapped in her husband's arms as she cradled her newborn baby to her chest.
A/N: I know it's short, but I wanted to write a piece for Mother's Day. The identity of Sofia's husband is entirely up to you. I hope you liked it.
