Ariel's P.O.V.
It had been only three weeks since I got back at the castle. And since then I've swollen to the size of pumpkin. Eric seems more excited each time we discusse the baby. I think he's coming around to the thought of being a father. I sighed looking out the window. The sea had been calm the past couple of days, but now it seemed to finally let loose.
The winds picked up, and the sun was hidden by the clouds darkening. Chills creeped down by spine as the waves crashed into the miniature cliff that palace rested on. I crossed my arms over my chest. The door creaked open behind me, making me jump.
"Is everything okay, Madam," a soft voice called. Turning to face the voice, I saw Carlotta with her hands intertwined at her waist. Parts of her dress were covered in flour, but her hair was in a perfect bun on top of her head.
"Yes, and please call me Ariel," I told her taking a few steps toward her as she hurried over to the unmade bed.
"That is very unlikely, Miss Ariel." She began throwing blankets back to make the bed. I sighed and began helping her with the bed. "There is no need, Miss."
"I have nothing else to do," I smiled at her. Unfortunatly my belly kept getting in the way when I would bend over to fix the corners. There was a sudden ping in my lower abdoman. Standing back up, I placed one of my hands on my lower back and the other on my stomach. "Carlotta?"
"Yes, Miss Ariel," She paused and looked at me. Her eyes slowly grew wider as I clenched the blankets on the bed. Carlotta raced over to my side and took my other hand in hers. "Are you feeling well?"
"I'm fine," I cringed at another ping. "Where's Eric?"
"He's out at sea, Madame. Come sit on the bed." I nodded and moved slowly, with her help, onto the bed.
"What's happening, Carlotte? Is the baby okay?" I could feel myself start panicing, and my heart started racing.
"The baby is perfectly fine," She smiled at me. "And to be honest, I believe the baby is on its way."
"But Eric's not here," I frowned as a another spark of pain shot through me again. "He's supposed to be here."
"You need to stay relaxed, Madam." She propped some more pillows behind me. "I'm going to go and fetch a doctor. I will send someone in to check up on you, is that is alright?"
I didn't even take in what she was saying anymore. Eric was out at sea. He was out in that storm, while the baby was on its way. I was still on edge no matter who checked in. All I wanted was Eric, and that is exactly what I told each maid who asked what they could get me. Grimsby even stopped in at one point.
"Why are you not out there with him?"
"I had a feeling the baby was due soon," he admitted sitting beside me, taking my hand in his. "Someone had to stay back with you."
"Why didn't you tell him," I frowned gripping his hand.
"I did. He said he would make it a short trip." Grimsby eyes showed sadness along with apology. I could only look away and back toward the window. The storm was still growing with each passing minute. A feeling stired in me, and it only made me think of my father.