AnneliseXJulian

ErikaXDominic

Life after the movie. Set 1 month after.

Annelise's Prov


In the morning we woke up and got ready for the day, but not before morning sickness struck. Julian came up behind me rubbing my back soothingly. "Hey… I'm right here." He said rubbing my back. "I'm fine, now." I leaned back into his arms. "I'll miss this when you're off with Dominick…" I whispered. Julian pressed his lips to my forehead. "We'll try to settle this whole thing as quickly as possible." I said "I know… Can you help me?" He smiled, and gently helped me up, and we got ready. "You'll write to me if anything happens to the girls won't you?" Julian asked as we walked out of the room. "Of course, darling." "Don't let the children's aid society take the girls if something happens to mom… I know Dad's weak, and he might not even survive… I'll be in touch. I promise." Julian kissed my head, as his dad came out of the room, as well as Dominick and Erika. "Don't worry. I'll make sure the girls are safe." He kissed my lips. Then the guys left.

"What if they don't come back?" Erika whispered to the halls as the servants bustled past us. "Erika, relax. They'll be fine and back before you know it. Dominick and Julian make a great team when it comes down to fighting, just like we do when we need each other's help." "It goes more than that… I can't raise a baby without him…" Erika whispered. "I feel the same, but I know we're stronger than we know, and are more capable than we know." Just then Jenni, Kathi, and Laci came running out of their parent's bedroom. "Anneliese! Something's wrong with Mommy!" I spun around to see them, before I knelt down with Erika. "Whoa, girls. Calm down. Tell me what happened." "We Don't know! Mommy's sick! She's not breathing… We're scared." Jenni said. I looked up to Erika. "I'll fetch the doc." I nodded and said "Thanks." I turned to the girls, and said "I'll go look… Why don't you three go to the gardens? Annabelle, can you watch them?" "Of course your majesty." She bowed before taking the girls to the gardens. I went to the bedroom and did what I could, but I couldn't bring her back. I sighed, feeling even more concerned than originally. I saw a paper on the desk, and picked it up. "Anneliese You and Julian are the girl's only family… Please… Raise them as your own. We'll be watching you guys… We love you. Mom and Dad." I smiled a tiny bit.

The door opened and Erika entered with the doc, who confirmed what I already knew. "Your Majesty, I'm so sorry." I inhaled deep, before walking out and straight to the gardens. "Hey Anneliese! Did you fix mommy!?" the girl's asked running over to me. I said "Come here… We have to talk…" I brought them to a bench, as Annabelle came over. "Your Majesty?" I said "Go on, I've got them…" I instructed, before I said "Sweeties, In life… Sometimes… Things happen, and there's no reason for it…" They said "What's going on?" I took a deep breath, before I said "Your mommy's not coming back… She's gone to where the angels are…" The realization hit them instantly. "And daddy's probably going to join her soon! We're orphans!" They started to cry. "No, That is not true. You three are not orphans. You are all mine, and Julian's now." They curled up in my arms, sobbing. "Anneliese?" Erika said, as she came over. I looked up, shaking my head. "Not now…" I wasn't even sure how long it was, but the girls cried themselves to sleep, so we tucked them in their beds. I kissed their heads, whispering "I love you three. More than you know." I stepped out with Erika. "How are you feeling?" She asked.

"Like a giant hole has punctured my heart. But I need to be strong… For the girls… The Kingdom…" I confessed. "Hey, It'll be Okay…" Erika said, giving me a hug, which I returned, but said "No it won't be." Erika frowned. I went to mine and Julian's room. I couldn't break down in front of others. I couldn't afford it. I just curled up on the bed and cried.


~Meanwhile, with Dominick and Julian. Julian's prov~

We had just arrived in Dulcinea, and headed to the castle, when one of the servants came over, I recognized him from my kingdom. I hopped down from my horse, as he came near. "Urgent news from Queen Erika, for you Your Majesty…" "Me or Dominick?" I asked, looking beside me, as Dominick appeared at my side. "You." I took the note as Dominick handed one back. "Take this back to them…" I opened the letter.


'Julian,

I'm so sorry to do this in a letter, Your mother passed away during the night… The girls are safe, and Anneliese had found a letter from your parents, but… I don't know what to do. Anneliese won't talk to me, just keeps telling me she needs to be the strong one… I feel so helpless… I know I'm not the one she needs… She needs you. You're the one who can help her calm when she wants to lose it… I can't do anything right for her, even though I wish I could… I know you need to help Dominick, and when you read this I know you'll want to be here too… Stay with Dominick, but hurry home as soon as you can…

I'll try to cheer her up, and the girls.


Erika.'

I muttered under my breath. "Sir?" I quickly wrote a reply for Erika, and one for my 4 girls. "Make sure you personally deliver Anneliese's and the girls to her." He nodded and left. "Julian?" Dominick asked, putting a hand on my shoulder. "Let's attack." I said as we stormed the castle. "Shh. Listen…" In the throne room we could hear his voice. "Dominick you take the right, I'll take the left." The guards surrounded us. "Let's get them through!" The Men said as we fought our way through. Dominick and I reached the throne room, and ambushed Preminger, defeating and killing him easily. "Thank you, Julian. For everything." Dominick said, as he came over. "Don't mention it. That's what brothers are for." I said, forcing a smile. "One of us should write…" I said "I will…" I quickly wrote the note, before sending one of the men who was on our side, to take it to the girls. "Let's go." We helped the others defeat the traders.


~Back with Anneliese and Erika. Anneliese's Prov~

I walked to the throne room, when the messenger returned, handing me 2 letters, as well as one from the page from Dulcinea.


'My Darling Anneliese,

I know things are grim right now, I promise, I'll be home soon. You do not need to stay so strong… Break down as much as you need. You can't be strong all the time, it's okay to lean on Erika, and others, let them see you break down. The past few days have been truly terrible, and I know it seems it just keeps getting worse…

I'm sorry I can't be with you right now, I can tell you need a hug, right now, I want to give one to you so bad. I'm missing you more than you know. Just take deep breaths.

All my love,

Julian.'


I smiled at the message. The next one was for Jenni, Kathi, and Laci. I would save that one. The third one was for me.


'My Sweet, precious, darling Anneliese,

We'll be home either tonight or tomorrow morning. We've defeated Preminger, and his followers. On our way home.

All my love,

Julian.'


"Anneliese?" Erika said, as she entered. "What?" "I'm fine…" I stated, as the door opened, my eyes shooting behind her. "Julian!" I darted over to him, his arms encasing me tightly. "I'm here. I'm here." He whispered. "I'm here." I remained close to his chest, my head glanced over to Erika and Dominick who were in a similar embrace. The girls ran in, causing Julian to embrace them. I knelt down beside them, he wrapped me in his arms too, holding all four of us against his chest. "Anneliese said we'd be your children now… Is that true ?" Jenni, asked. Julian looked at me before I said "it was your parent's wish… for us to raise them as our own." Julian said "Yes it's true. Anneliese and I will be your parents now. We love you." The girls relaxed in our arms. "We should Be heading out… Thank you both so much for everything." Erika and Dominick said as we stood. "Again, there's nothing to be thankful for. We're family." I said as we hugged them. "Safe travels." Julian and I said together. Jenni, Kathi, and Laci said "Bye Auntie Erika, Bye Uncle Dominick!" I smiled a bit at that, Julian did too. After they left we went to the dining room and ate dinner. After dinner, we tucked the girls in bed, before we went to our room. "You never told me how your father died…" I stated.

"I didn't want to scare the girls… It was pretty graphic… But He's the reason Dominick and I are even Alive…" He started, taking a shaky breath. "What happened? Tell me." "Me and Dominick went into the throne room, and defeated Preminger… We went out of the throne room, to defeat a couple of the men, and had us cornered… My dad came over, and fought off the soldier, so we could kind of get our bearings and come up with a plan… But by the time we got ourselves the soldiers who were on Preminger's side, had cut off his legs, arms and then his head." He stiffened beside me, pulling me close to his chest, before he continued "Me and Dominick got the soldier, before we took out the others… At that point, I only wanted to get back to you and the girls. I knew Dominick wanted to get back to Erika… I've been wanting to hold you close, feel your steady calm breathing against me, ever since that whole situation happened with my dad…" "I'm so sorry… I…" I started, causing Julian to give a soft chuckle, before kissing my head gently. "Shh. It's okay, we'll get through this… Together. But for now just close your eyes and sleep… I'm right here with you. Also, Dominick's mom said to tell you thank you, for all the assistance, with the soldiers and I, and she looks forward to meeting you." I smiled as I curled up in his chest. "I love you." I whispered, as I fell asleep in his arms.

I woke to an empty bed, I sat up and wrapped a blanket around me. "Anneliese? Are you okay?" I heard Julian said sitting beside me. "I'm okay. I promise. Let me get dressed, and I'll meet you in the kitchen." I said as I stood up. "Sure darling." I felt his lips on my head. "Take your time, I know you're tired." I felt a smile form, before getting dressed. "Ugh…." "Your Majesty?" I heard my maid say as she entered. "I'm fine… Thank you." I stated, as I locked the door to the bathroom, throwing up. "Your majesty, Please let me in…" I heard, I leaned against the wall. The cool wall felt good against my warm clammy skin. "Your Majesty!" "I said I'm Fine…" I whispered. "I'm getting his majesty…" I unlocked the door, but I still wasn't feeling well. "Anneliese? Darling? It's Julian… Can I Come in?" I muttered something before I heard the door open, and I felt his body slide beside me, his arms sliding behind my back, lifting my body against him my arm wrapped around his neck. "Shh baby. I'm right here." He laid me down on the bed, sitting beside me. "You're pale, and clammy… I'm going to have the doctor come take a look at you…" I said "I need to help you… We have mountains and mountains of paperwork…" Julian smiled, sweetly, before kissing my head. "Shh. I want you to rest, Love… You and the baby are my top priority. I love you, and I want you both safe and healthy." He said, lovingly rubbing my shoulder. "Let me at least get you checked out, then we'll figure out everything." I nodded.

Once the doctor came and gave me a head to toe exam, frowning. "Fetch me the king." He whispered to one of the servants. I said "What's wrong?" The maid went immediately. "You've been under stress haven't you?" I said "What does that have to do with anything?! I've been managing my stress very well thank you!" "Well you're also underweight for where you need to be. You could lose the baby!" Julian came in at that point. "Whoa, I'll remind you to keep your tone in check, Doc. You are addressing the queen." Julian sat next to me, stroking my hair gently. "She doesn't understand the severit…" I said "I don't understand?! Huh. That's strange, because I FULLY understand. You are the one who doesn't understand that not only did I lose my mother, I also lost my mother in law, had to take the throne earlier than planned, and now taking charge of three little ones, who are my children, now. SO You really think you can judge that I don't understand what I'm doing?!"


The doctor said "It's still not good for your baby, all this stress and the fact you're underweight! You could be losing the baby!" I looked at Julian, tears forming. "Okay, That's it. You need to stop yelling at me for doing my…" Julian frowned, removing himself from my side, and said "That's IT! I warned you to not raise your voice, and that's all you've done, and I won't have it!" "Julian, he's the only doctor in the kingdom…" I whispered, causing Julian to look at me, frowning. "Look, I'm not going to kick you out of town, My wife does have a point. But I do NOT want you raising your voice to her. You're on thin ice." The Doctor said "She's close to losing the baby, with her weight and stress, and you're worried cause I'm raising my voice to her?!" Julian I could tell was trying to control his anger, as he said "We'll be back…" I saw them exit the room, but Julian left the door open so I could hear. "I don't want to do this in front of her. But you raising your voice to her and to me, not only is disrespectful, but it's stressing her out more. Either you use a calmer tone with her and I, or I'm dismissing you from your position and kicking you out of our kingdom."

"You're just some peasant boy who doesn't even…" The doc started. "THat's IT! You're fired! Get out of the kingdom by tomorrow, and don't return." Julian ordered as the guards took the doc, causing Julian to return, right over to me and wrap his arms around me. "I'm sorry my love." He whispered. "I want you to rest today, I'll bring some papers for you since I know you want to help, but just let me take care of you, and the baby today. I'm going to find a new doctor for the kingdom." I said "Hey, In case I didn't say it, Thank you, for coming to our defense, against the doctor. I mean He wasn't necessarily wrong, but he should've handle it better, then raising his voice, and repeating all the things I'm apparently doing wrong… I'm trying so hard to figure out the best way to handle everything, but bad things keep happening, and stressing me out more! He was out of line with how he treated you as well and what he said…"

Julian said "You're my wife, of course I would defend you to anyone who dares speak against you! I know it's been difficult, but now you have me home to rely on." He stroked my hair, it's one of the few ways he could calm me. "Now, I don't like what he said, so we can figure out different ways for stress relief, and something that can ease the morning sickness. Why don't you make a list of what helps you relax, 0r ways you think would help, and I'll make it happen." I smiled wide. "Seriously, Julian, what did I do to deserve you?" He chuckled, kissing my head. "I ask myself that daily. I love you. Now, I'm going to have the maid bring up some toast, and ginger tea, and anything else that could ease the nausea, then I want you to try and get some rest." "What about the girls?" "I have one of the maids watching them, I'm going to interview tutors for them as well. I posted the notice on my way through when we came home." I smiled at his explanation. "I'll check on you throughout the day, but if you need anything, you can send a maid, or one of the servants." I smiled and nodded.

The rest of the morning I spent resting, okay well sleeping after breakfast. I was just waking up, when Julian came in. "Hi." I said, as he kissed my head. "How are we feeling?" He said sitting next to me. I shrugged. "Not really feeling any better, if I'm being honest…" Julian said "Well you look better, your color has returned." I smiled, small. "What exactly do you feel?" He asked. "Nauseous, weak, a little dizzy, Tired, maybe crampy a little… I'm sorry…." I confessed. "Alright, well have you gone to the bathroom? Any spotting?" I said "Let me check. I'll be right back." I went to the bathroom, before returning to my husband, feeling weak the entire time. Julian automatically helped me sit on the bed. "No spotting. But the cramping seems worrying on its own…" Julian said "Well, I'll have one of the older women, come take a peak. She's older, and a mom… I know she's not a doctor, but she might be our best choice right now. I figure she could at least handle minor things, like wellness visits, and stuff, just till we find a doctor… I've written to Erika and Dominick, if they had anyone with medical knowledge, that they could spare…" I said "You are seriously the BEST!" He smiled. "I already asked the older woman to come see you. She should come soon, and I also found a tutor for the girls. She can start on Monday, since it's the weekend." I relaxed, at his words." I smiled. "You are perfect." He kissed my head, and said "Thanks darling."

The afternoon, following the visit with the older lady, I helped Julian with some of the paperwork, before making the list. "Anneliese?" I heard Jenni, Kathi, and Laci say as they entered. "Hey Sweeties, I'm so sorry I haven't given you any attention, or love today… I haven't been feeling well…" They climbed into the bed, snuggling into me. "We love you, and Julian told us everything." When Julian came in, He smiled seeing the girls snuggled into me. "Hey, there are my girl's." He sat in front of us, smiling. "What did Isla say?" I asked. "She said just to keep an eye on it, and if its accompanied by spotting, we have to get you to the nearest hospital which is ½ a day away… That's something else I want to set up… A Hospital." I said "We could use one closer, I love it." Julian smiled. "Any word from Erika, and Dominick?" I asked. He nodded.

"Erika sent this one specifically for you, and Dominick sent this one for both of us. He says…"


'Julian, and Anneliese,

We are sooo sorry, for the troubles you have now. That doctor, I had a bad feeling about, since I met him. I'm surprised you guys held out as long as you did. Sorry, lame attempt at a joke.

We do have a few people with medical training, that could use a place to work, We have no room in the clinic, or hospital. Most of the people on staff are complaining that we're over staffed! I told them I could send them to you guys, but It might be a little, since you don't have a hospital yet. I'm sending 2 doctors, 2 nurses, and a midwife over. I figured the midwife might be handy to have, Erika and I have one too, and Erika LOVES having one. They should arrive by morning. How's Anneliese feeling? Jenni, Laci, and Kathi too? I've been worrying about them and Anneliese since your letter arrived.

Let me know.

Dominick.'


"...And that's all he said…" Julian said, as he folded up the letter. "Have you written back yet?" I asked. "I have, but haven't sent it yet." I said "What did you write?" "I wrote…"


'Dominick,

That joke was actually perfect, We both laughed hard at it. We truly appreciate any help we can get with medical care, now. We are working on building a hospital, and hopefully can have it completed by the weekend, but most likely it'll take a few weeks. I did have an older woman talk to Anneliese when she was feeling bad, and I think it helped immensely, so the midwife might be perfect. You are truly so forward thinking when it came to that. We appreciate everything, you're helping us with.

The girls are adjusting just fine, maybe still missing mom and dad, which they're trying to hide but understandable. Anneliese on the other hand, I have to admit I'm really worried about her… She's so nauseous, which I know is all part of pregnancy, but it seems more than just 'normal' levels, she's underweight, and I'm worried about the effect that will have on the baby… She's also so tired, stressed, looks weak, pale, dizzy and cramping… I know I shouldn't worry, but I can't help it… I just feel lost and unable to help her. You know?

Keep in touch, and thanks again!

Julian.'


His eyes met mine, for a moment. "I'm worried too, about everything… I just wish… I wish our moms were here…" I confessed. "I know, honestly, so do I. I'm not a woman, and I certainly haven't been through this before, and I want to help you, I just don't know how… I feel so lost." I moved my hand and caressed his cheek. "We'll figure this out. I promise, and If I'm being honest, you being at my side, helping me through this, is more than enough help. Even if its not medically, You give me the strength I need, and that's more than enough while we figure everything else out." Julian's smile widened, and said "Thanks, Anneliese, You always know what to say to make me feel better. Now, I already have arranged for dinner to be brought to our room, I'm going to send the messenger with the note to Deliciena, and I'll be right back." He stepped out, for a moment.

"We can't wait to meet our little… What would we call the baby? Our niece or Nephew? Sibling?" Jenni asked. "Well, since you girls are technically mine, and Julian's children now, I think it would be sibling. You do know that, just because there'll be a new baby, It wouldn't mean we don't love you, girls any less. We have plenty of love, for all you, and we'll always love you three longer." That made them smile. Julian returned with the servants, and we all ate. "How's the soup taste?" He asked me. "Honestly, everything tastes kind of blah to me right now…" Julian frowned, but said "I'm sorry honey… What can I do to help you…?" I said "It's alright… I'm sure it's just because I've been so nauseous." Julian smiled, a bit. "If you're sure. I just worry about you." I blushed. "Thank you." We finished eating, and the girls went to get ready for bed.

"Hey Julian?" He turned and looked at me, sweetly. "Yes?" he asked. "Nothing… I just wanted to say thanks for taking great care of me today." He smiled, and said "Nothing to thank honey, Now I'm going to see if one of the maids, will draw a bath. I'm going to go to the shop, and see if I can find a few books, maybe some that have remedies for morning sickness…" I smiled, and said "A bath actually sounds quite lovely…" "Anything I can pick up for you in town?" He asked. "No, honey thank you though." He left, as the maid drew my bath. I was relaxing in the tub, when Julian came in. "Sorry love… I didn't mean…" I blushed as I said "Oh Julian relax, It's not like you haven't seen before." Julian flushed red, before kissing my head. "I'll finish up, and come to bed." He nodded, stepping over to the bedroom. "Serafina? Come here girl." I could hear him call, as I got out. I pulled my robe on as I went over. "Serafina? Where are you girl?" Just then one of the kittens, who was her mother's mini. "Meow Woof. Meow. Woof." She tugged on Julian's pant leg. "What's wrong Girl? Is it mommy?" Julian said, kneeling down to pet her. "MEOW! WOOF!" she said, as we followed her. When we arrived, we saw Serafina, being nuzzled by Wolfie, who looked worried. "Hey there boy." I said petting him affectionately. "Woof." He barked, as Serafina purred. "Hey girl, it's okay." I scratched behind her ear earning a yelp. "Julian? Feel right here… Does something feel wrong?" I asked, as Julian felt where my hand had been. "Oh, there's definitely a bump… Do you want me to fetch the vet?" I nodded, numbly already preparing myself for the worst.