Gabrielle pressed a hand over her stomach and backed away. Her mouth was wide open and her green eyes were wide as possible.
"Twins?" She whispered, she felt faint.
"My, they say when the King does something he goes past expectations. I see that goes outside the battlefield as well." The Fae mused. This made Gabrielle turn an even greater redder shade.
"Miss Goose!" She scolded her. In the response the fae gave a little giggle.
"Forgive me, your majesty." But she didn't look sorry, more amused still. The fae turned to the queen and her expression changed to concern.
"Gabrielle...you don't seem happy about this." Gabrielle wasn't sure how to respond to this. Miss Goose continued, "You should feel happy to be carrying a child by your husband and you might have an heir in you."
"Oh...I am happy, Miss Goose, believe me." She paused as she searched the right words to say, "It is just that I am scared. My mother died when I was so young...and Isodara was hardly a good mother to me. I don't know how to be a mother." Miss Goose frowned,
"My sweet child, I understand, I understand." She moved closer to her, "Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs in the world. However, you are royalty. You can choose to let a nurse take care of the children, if that is what you desire." The queen gave the fae a horrified look.
"No, I couldn't possibly give my babies away to someone." Gabrielle knew it was common among royalty..but that still didn't make it natural, or right. No she wanted to raise her own babies. Miss Goose smiled at her.
"I thought you would feel that way, my dear." The old fae wrapped her into a hug.
"My dear, there is no way a woman such as yourself could not be a wonderful mother. Now dry your tears and why don't we order some nice tea." Her voice was warm and comforting, but at the mention of tea, Gabrielle stopped.
"Tea...oh no." She backed, away. "I am sorry, Miss Goose, I really am, but I left my stepsisters back in my room. I have to go back for them." She moved away.
"I understand. Now go and have a nice day." She waved goodbye to the queen with a pleasant smile and Gabrielle somehow managed one back before heading back to her chambers. Even with Miss Goose assurances that she would be a good mother; she couldn't help, but feel a tight nervousness in the pit of her stomach. What would she be like as a mother? Would she be overwhelmed? Would she let her children walk over her? Would she spoil them? She didn't want to do what Isodara did to Rosella at all. Perhaps there was a chance in spoiling her children because she wouldn't want to be like Isodara.
But Adrian would probably stop her from that.
Her green eyes widened and she gave a pause mid-stride. She hadn't even given a consideration to Adrian as a father. Even though he had been good to her, he still didn't have a heart. What would he be to a child? Would he be strict? Oh, there was no doubt in her mind that would he would be a very strict father who wouldn't tolerate and disobedience, or disrespect from his children. Could this create conflicts in their marriage? With her softness and his roughness when it came towards children? Perhaps she was worrying for nothing. Adrian would probably be too busy for much fatherly business anyway. But then again he would probably want to hear what the children had been up to that day, as well.
There were so many possibilities. She finally made it back to her suite where her stepsisters were waiting, in apparent silence. They looked over at her as she made her return. There was continual silence until Gabrielle shut the door and Rosella asked.
"Well?" Gabrielle had to think. She couldn't say she was pregnant for certain because she couldn't reveal that Miss Goose was a fae.
"I went to see Miss Goose." That wasn't a lie. She didn't want to lie. "For her to comfort me...about my worry over becoming a mother."
"Oh, Gabrielle." Cried Rosella, "How could you not think you wouldn't be a good mother?" Estelle joined in,
"You are the farthest thing from Isodara as there ever was." Gabrielle touched her lower stomach.
"Thank you, both. But I worry that I might go in the opposite direction...and spoil them." At this Rosella gave a rather bitter laugh.
"Your majesty, trust me, it takes a certain kind of parent to spoil their child. You are not one of them. Trust me." Gabrielle knew that, of course, she was referring to how Isodara had spoiled her. While she didn't want to bring up her eldest stepsister's bad memories, she couldn't help but be comforted by hearing that from her. She knew that meant something. Gabrielle sat back down.
"So...what are you going to name it?" Asked Rosella. At this Estelle shot her a warning look.
"Rosella, we don't even know for sure that she is pregnant." Estelle reminded her her older sister.
"That's right, but there is no harm in guessing, is there?" Estelle sipped her tea as she shook her head. The curly blonde turned back to the queen.
"Well?" Rosella asked again. Gabrielle went over a list of names in her head.
"Well...I think Helios would suit a firstborn son and crown prince." At this Rosella gave a squeal of delight.
"Oh that sounds perfect, Gabrielle. Such a strong and noble name for a prince." She gave a wistful look. "And if he gets your blonde locks that would be extra perfect!" Gabrielle smiled at her approval.
"But what if it's a girl?" She quipped. The queen gave pause to this and thought as hard as she could.
"I...I am not sure." She admitted, she couldn't come up with a good girl's name atop of her head. Rosella smiled and began to name off a bunch of girl's names.
"Amanda, Lillie, Josephine, Dawn, Abigail, Seraphina, Julie, Rose, Arianell, or maybe Angel?" The blonde chattered on. Gabrielle thought a moment before speaking.
"Those are all good names...I like Josephine...but for some reason it doesn't feel right for the baby. I thank you for the suggestions though." Gabrielle told her gently, not wanting to hurt her feelings.
"Oh, we can talk about this later. I know I will help you find a perfect name for her!" Rosella insisted and Estelle rolled her eyes at her excitable older sister.
"I think King Adrian has more of a right to name his children than you do." The chocolate brunette pointed out, bluntly. Rosella just waved her hand.
"Well, he might be king, but he is still a man and what does a man know about cute girl names. I already have the names of my first three daughters planned." Rosella said proudly, as she sipped more of her tea. Both sister's eyes widened at the oldest.
"You plan...to have three daughters?" Estelle got out.
"I never imagined you to be the type of girl to want...that many children." The queen admitted. At this Rosella just let out a giggle and flipped her blonde curls over her shoulder.
"I plan to have at least ten, hopefully an equal number of each." This made Estelle rolled her eyes even more.
"You would end up bald from all the stress." She told her older sister curtly. Rosella let out a simple
"Hmph, I will have money for wigs." She stuck her nose in air and drank some more tea. At this Estelle slapped her palm to her forehead and let out a frustrated groan. At this Gabrielle let out a little giggle, but at the same time she felt sad. She wished with all her heart that she could be with her sisters now, or at least that this had been their relationship the whole time. But such thoughts belonged in the sands of time.
She was now the queen with two heirs inside her. She could never go back home and truly make up with her sisters. That chance was snatched by Adrian before it was even possible.
"So how are you going to tell your husband that you are pregnant?" Her older stepsister asked. Gabrielle froze at the question.
"I-I-I'm not sure." She admitted.
"Oh, I know you...could do something adorable, like leave a teddy bear with a present that says special delivery on the way." She gave a happy sigh, "That would be so cute!" She squealed. Gabrielle inwardly cringed at the idea.
"I really...don't think that is Adrian's...style. Thank you for your suggestion, Rosella." Rosella looked a bit disappointed at having her idea (once again) shot down, however gently.
"If you are nervous about telling him why not get the palace doctor to do it?" Suggested Estelle. Why Estelle's suggestion was much more low key and practical than her older sister's; Gabrielle still didn't feel right about doing that either.
"I thank both of you for your suggestions, but I think it is best I tell my husband he is going to be a father to his face. I think I have enough strength to do that...at least." She took a deep breath and smiled at her sisters.
"I am going to be fine. I am scared right now...but that is true for all mother to be, who aren't fools. Even if you are peasant or queen; motherhood is something not to be taken on lightly, but I take comfort in the fact that it has been successfully done countless times before."
"That is very wise." Rosella told her, then she gave out another smile. "Now let's talk more about the baby." She took a big gulp of tea and then continued, "Are you hoping for a boy, or girl?"
"Um...I don't know. The gender is not really important to me."
"But it is to the kingdom." Estelle commented, "The kingdom would want a boy so that they know an heir is in place." Her tone was neutral, but reality became apparent to the queen. The green eyed queen looked down and touched her stomach. The people would want a boy. She had heard of horrible things that happened to queens who didn't give birth to a boy soon enough. Gabrielle didn't think Adrian would throw her out for not having a boy, but the kingdom might have a very different view on it. Even if they had come to see her as the swan queen
With twins, at least she got a greater chance for a boy, she mused.
"I wish that girls were more valued in our world." She admitted, "Many fathers view their daughters as marriage pawns in order to gain power. Often not thinking of the happiness of their daughters at all . I want my child, regardless of its gender, to be happy. However, even a boy would have responsibilities tossed on him as future king, even with all the privileges that would afford him." She was silent for a little longer.
"I honestly think that the most happiest people in the world are those who live the simplest with their basic needs meet and surrounded by people who love them. My children will be surrounded by luxury and they would have my unconditional love...but the court would want to earn favors with them. In the end their privilege would give them many false friends and allies. They would have to be wary of everyone." She placed her hand over her stomach and closed her green eyes. A deep silence came over the sisters. The mood had changed thanks to her.
"I am sorry...I didn't mean to spoil the mood." Her tone was emotionless, rare for Gabrielle. She brought the teacup to her lips and sipped the last drops of it.
"You don't need to apologize for speaking the truth, Gabrielle." Estelle told her. Gabrielle looked up at both her sisters and saw that Rosella had lose her usual cheerful expression and her bright blue eyes were turned downward. Estelle had her usual serious look to her face though, but Gabrielle read from her eyes and body language that there was more going on in her youngest stepsisters mind.
"Thank you both...for helping me through this. My only wish is that you can be with me throughout this, but I know you have responsibilities back home."
"But we can come back around the time of the birth!" Rosella eagerly pointed out. Gabrielle smiled.
"I would be very thankful for that." She told her and looked at Estelle to see if she agreed. Her youngest stepsister gave her a smile and nod. This made the queen feel much better. They talked into the night and soon it was time to say their goodbyes. When Gabrielle came to dinner her stomach was in knots. However, when she entered the dining room she found her husband's seat empty.
"I regret to inform you, your majesty, your husband had extra work today, and will be taking dinner in his study. He wishes you a pleasant dinner though." Gabrielle thanked the servant and gave him a nod. It was not unusual for Adrian to have extra work hours. She didn't know whether to feel relieved, or not, at the delay. Her dinner was one of her favorites, quail drowned in butter. She had to send the wine back, of course, and instead had tea. She ate, thanked the chief, and made her way back to the royal chambers.
Her husband was still not there. She went to the washroom and slid into the warm water. She touched her stomach, the bump was barely there, but it was still there. She gently caressed it with the sponge. She wondered how things would be when she was bigger? Could she even get into the tub without help? That thought greatly embarrassed her. She had heard stories about women having their strength and endurance lowered because of pregnancy. That thought worried Gabrielle. Movement had always been important to her.
She constantly worked in Isodara's manor and when she came to the palace she began archery and warrior training. Gabrielle was always an active person. She didn't like the thought of losing her mobility at all. However, it might be a sacrifice she would have to make for the baby. But at least it would only be nine months. Finally, she got out of the water and dried herself.
She changed into a baby blue nightgown and crawled into bed. She knew that it might be a while before Adrian came back. On nights he had to work late, he often came to bed after she had been asleep. However, she couldn't fall asleep tonight. No, she had to get it out. An hour past by with no signs of her husband. She added more wood to the fireplace. She couldn't sleep. She poked her head out of the room and asked a guard to send a servant with tea. The guard looked surprised to see his queen up at such a late hour, but he said nothing as he carried out orders.
The queen's tea arrived shortly after. She thanked the servant and sat down before the fire and sipped her tea. Almost an entire hour past and she was getting tired; but her mind couldn't rest until she spoke to her husband. Finally, the door open and there stood her husband. He looked down at her and his ice blue eyes widened.
"What are you doing up so late?" He questioned. Gabrielle carefully stood up with her now empty cup of tea. She looked down for a moment before looking back up to meet his eyes.
"I have been waiting for you...to tell you something." She said in barely above a whisper.
"And what would that be?" At this he crossed his arms. Gabrielle suddenly felt very intimidated by him. She swallowed, but she had to get it out. It was like he expected something bad out of her. Would being pregnant count as this? Was this too early for them to have children
"I think...I'm pretty sure..." She couldn't get it out.
"Pretty sure about what?" Her husband questioned her more. She stared into his pale blue eyes for several moments until she finally spoke.
"That I am pregnant." There was silence for a moment. Then Adrian threw his head back and started to laugh. At this the blonde queen took a few steps back, not quite believing what she was seeing, or hearing.
"Why...why are you laughing?" She asked him, hesitantly. Finally, he made himself stop laughing, giving a few last chuckles before he looked at her grinning.
"Because I was wondering if it was going to take the baby crowning for you to finally tell me." Gabrielle felt a hot blush on her cheeks as her eyes widened.
"You already...knew?" She questioned. The king uncrossed his arms and closed the gap between them.
"Well, it wasn't hard to figure out. The smell of vomit isn't easy to hide and the signs were all there." He gently laid his hand on the small bump of his wife's otherwise flat stomach. Gabrielle leaned into him. She felt him wrap his strong arms around her shoulders.
"I am relieved at this." She moved closer to him, leaning into his chest. He said nothing, as he picked her up and carried her to bed, gentling pulling the covers over her. He kissed her before graving a pair loose pants from the wardrobe and headed into the washroom. The last thing Gabrielle remembered was hearing the water running, before she fell asleep.
She woke up to sunlight on her face, a heavy arm wrapped around her waist and warm body to her back. She slowly stirred awake, trying to not arouse her husband from sleep considering the long night he had. She carefully got up and picked out a purple dress from the wardrobe and changed into it. She carefully and quietly brushed and put her blonde hair up in a flowered headband. She adorned herself simple, but elegant jewels, as she heard Adrian stir awake. She got up from her vanity and turned his attention toward him.
"My what a lovely sight to awake too." This caused Gabrielle to blush, as her husband got up to kiss her forehead.
"Do you remember...about the baby?" She asked in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course...I do." He then kissed her on the lips. Gabrielle hearted thundered in her chest as she wondered what to say next.
"What...if we were having...twins?" At this Adrian gave her a look that she couldn't make out.
"Why would you assume you were pregnant with twins? That is rather rare." Gabrielle thought about how to word this. She couldn't reveal that Miss Goose was a Fae. She stumbled for a few moments, testing Adrian's patience.
"Well?" He asked again.
"It was just a thought that came to me...that's all." She wondered how he would take it when she got big enough for the doctor to conform she really was carrying twins. Much to her relief Adrian didn't seem to question her more.
"But how would you feel..if we were having twins?" She asked again, wondering if she was pressing her luck.
"I would be happy, though I would hope it would be a boy and a girl and not two boys, or two girls." The queen was puzzled at her king saying such a thing and asked him,
"Why is that?"
"Well, two princesses would mean two babies, but no heir. That would frustrate the people, but they could live with it. Two princes would make the people proud, but in the end their would be disputes over who is the rightful king. So a boy and girl would be the best."
"I see, that makes a lot of sense." She admitted.
"I should tell you that I do not plan to announce your pregnancy until you are further along in case of miscarriage. A miscarriage this early in my reign will only bring superstition out in people." Gabrielle's eyes widened.
"Miscarriage?" She got out. Her heart sank at the thought of losing her babies. She unconsciously put her hands over her bump, as though protecting it. At this, Adrian took her hands and removed them from her stomach.
"Relax, my darling wife, that is very unlikely to happen. You are young and healthy. But precautions must be taken. The court is a dirty business."
"I understand." Gabrielle's voice still gave out nervousness. She felt her husband press his hands gently into her shoulders, as though to assure her.
"I promise you will have regular doctor visits and teas said to help pregnancy to make you feel at ease. I should not have even brought up miscarrying and upset you." He released her shoulders and looked away. His eyes down turned. At this Gabrielle reached and gently stroked his cheek.
"No, my lord, it is fine. I am not a delicate flower. I can handle the truth." He gently laid his hand over her hand that was pressed against his cheek and looked back at her, and then released her hand.
"A king is only as strong as the queen beside him." She told him, "That is at least what your Great-Grandfather wrote." He gave her a light smile at that.
"He was a wise man...or so I've been told." He laid another kiss on her lips. "I should get ready." He walked past her and Gabrielle didn't look back as she gave her husband privacy to dress.
"How do you like Helios for a boy?" She asked him. She heard the shuffling of clothes and then he said.
"Sounds like a strong name for a future king."
"So I take it has your approval?" She asked, hopefully.
"It does. So what have you thought about if it is a girl?" Gabrielle paused.
"I really couldn't come up with one, and none of the suggestions felt right to me."
"Would you consider Atropos?" At this Gabrielle's eyes shot open and she turned back to her half dressed husband.
"Naming her after the goddess of death? Isn't that just asking for misfortune?"
"Not really," He casually answered, as he pulled on his shirt, "I doubt the death goddesses get much attention anyways. I imagine they would be pleased by having a firstborn princess named after them. Well, that's not the reason I want to name her that. I feel that Atropos is a good and strong name. Besides I don't view the death goddesses as evil like many simple minded people do."
"You don't?" Gabrielle questioned. Her king turned to her as he was putting on his jacket and buckling it.
"Tell me, do you view the death Gods and Goddesses as evil? Come on, my queen, I think I know you much better than that."
"I don't view them as evil...death is a necessary part of life. Even if it is not one of the happiest." She admitted. Death was normal as breathing in this world.
"In a way." Adrian continued, "I think they are rather merciful. I have seen men beg for death because their pain was too much to bare. They wanted to go into a place where they wouldn't hurt. Atropos releases men from the pain of life. She also allows justice to be done when a murderer is executed by allowing him to pass."
"I can see the logic in that, but wouldn't the people not like such a name?" She questioned
"Do you think the people would honestly be surprised that I, Adrian, King of war, named his daughter after a death Goddess?"
"No...probably not." Adrian finished with his jacket,
"Besides, my beloved queen, she won't be the heir to the throne, most likely, so the people have no reason to fear bad luck from a queen with such a name."
"I suppose you are right, Adrian." She looked up to him, "So Helios and Atropos it is then?"
"I am fine with that and you?" Adrian walked back up to her. The queen bowed her head to her king.
"I am perfectly fine with that." She touched her stomach where the children bearing those names might lay.