Part Two: Preparations
Several months later…
She quietly snuck into the library, but knew he heard her when he sat up. As she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, Amelia asked, "What gave me away this time?"
He kissed her hand. "You're anxious. It changes everything you do, but I was hoping you'd come see me." Amelia reluctantly released him but before she could sit he pulled her into his lap. "Are you regretting this?"
"No, I never…I just thought by now…"
"You should stop worrying." He slid one arm around her waist as he began massaging one shoulder. The princess gave a sigh. "We're doing this together, so if there's anything worrying you…"
"I'm afraid that…do you regret marrying me?"
"No." He brushed a strand of her hair behind an ear. "Why do you ask that?"
"Well, it's been about seven months now and we're not any closer to…" She leaned forward and rested her head on her crossed arms. "I thought maybe something was wrong with me."
"It probably has to do with the compatibility our DNA has. That would be on me, not you." After a moment of silence he added, "But if you want rethink our arrangement-"
"No! Even before…Zelgadis, I've wanted to be your bride since…"
"Well you knew before me. For me, you had to die in my arms, all the time assuring me you were fine." He felt her tense. "I couldn't believe that even then you were caring about my feelings." Zelgadis brushed the tears off her cheeks. "Don't worry. It'll work out one way or another."
"Okay."
Three months later…
"Relax." Amelia squeezed her husband's hand as the midwife, Irvina, touched her stomach. "This is unusual." Zelgadis grimaced, thinking back.
Last month the princess had awakened in discomfort and was extremely nauseous. He had cast a healing spell on her which eased her nausea, but seemed to do nothing for the pain. She arranged herself in a more comfortable position. "Where's it feel the worst?"
"My back."
Zel pushed her nightgown up and gave her a gentle massage. "Better?" he asked after about fifteen minutes.
"Uh-huh," she muttered. "Could you-"
"Yes, just relax." He slid behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist. That was when he felt a slight movement against his hand. "Amelia? Did you…" She gave a little sigh, sleeping.
"Is something wrong? I can feel-"
"At this point in the pregnancy, you shouldn't be this large or feel the movements as much as you do."
"But otherwise the baby is fine?"
Irvina frowned, shaking her head at Zelgadis but addressing the princess. "The baby is growing too fast. This isn't normal and your health is greatly at risk." She looked in Zel's general direction and stated, "She needs to stay off her feet as much as possible and make sure she rests." Then she abruptly left.
Once the door closed Amelia took back her hand and covered her face. He sat on the bed and pulled her against him. "Princess?"
"Zelgadis-san…what are we going to do?"
He placed a hand against her stomach and felt a reassuring kick. "We'll be careful and make sure both of you are fine."
"Do you have any idea what could be causing this?"
He thought for a few minutes and nodded. "It's probably because of my DNA, the parts that aren't human. I hadn't expected that to be…"
"Don't you dare call our baby a mistake. We both knew going into this that you are a chimera, so the baby is at least half." Her face was flushed and her eyes sparkled as she sat up. "Just have some faith, okay?"
He moved beside her and pulled his wife against him. One hand slid to her stomach. "This little one's going to be just fine."
"I think so too."