All My Love, Anna

Chapter Ten: Cause for Celebration

“A back door would be helpful in case of an emergency,” suggested Paul, the head architect.

“I agree,” I said, smiling and rubbing the sweat from my forehead. The summer heat was intense. At least we were inside a house. I watched with amazement as Paul drew in a perfect little door on the plan. I was about to take a sip of my tea when I felt the sudden urge to vomit. I ran out of Paul’s house and purged in some nearby bushes. Of course, directly behind me came my entourage. They made a fuss as if I were dying.

“Your highness! Your highness!”

It was Jeffery, a young sailor with black hair and blue eyes who used to serve under my brother. He ended up at the palace after a serious leg injury, which had healed nicely. We had become close so he requested reassignment to the palace guard.

“Calm yourself, Jeffery. I am not dying as you can see.”

He blushed, embarrassed, “I know, but you have not been yourself lately, your highness. Usually you love apricots, but just yesterday you turned fresh ones away as if they were rotten.”

I touched my stomach and said, “I know. I feel as if my stomach is doing cartwheels.”

Jeffery took my arm, which was bold even for a friend, and said, “You must see a doctor.”

I tried to protest, but no one heard my voice over Jeffery’s. Despite being thin and shorter than most young men his age he had a very commanding voice, like Randolph.

I was about to retrieve my things from Paul’s house, but barely made it to the front door. Maxwell, a young and handsome guard from a noble family, appeared just in time to catch me as I collapsed. The summer sun had become too much for me. I awoke some time later in my own bed. I overheard Randolph speaking to the physician and someone else. I recognized the third voice as Maxwell’s.

“You saved my wife and queen, thank you,” he said to Maxwell, who did not respond verbally.

I wasn’t looking at them as this occurred, because I was still fatigued and lying on my back, but knew Maxwell to be one to nod at everything. He was not one for words.

“This is not the first time her majesty has collapsed like this. I fear she may suffer from anemia,” said the physician.

“Oh my,” said Randolph, sounding concerned.

Maxwell interjected with, “I shall return to my post, sir. The other men need to know that their queen is alright.”

“Please do. I shall send along a messenger later with news of her recovery. That should put the men’s worries at ease.”

I heard the door open and close. Then Randolph and the physician continued their discussion.

I was just sitting up when the physician said, “No worries, your highness. Her prior condition will not affect her current state.”

“And what state is that?” Randolph inquired.

“Queen Anna is with child, of course. She has all the classic symptoms.”

Randolph let out a loud joyful yell. I felt weak, but a bit rejuvenated by the news of my pregnancy.

“Randolph!”

I cried out for him with the little bit of strength I had. Being the attentive husband that he was he came to me immediately.

“This is amazing news,” I said as I held out my arms.

Being so petite made picking me up an easy and joyful task for Randolph. I was in his arms now. He smoothed my hair as he whispered to me in the softest kindest loving tone.

“My dear, Anna, thank you.”

My ear was against his chest and I could hear his heartbeat. His heart was beating fast, excitedly.

“I’m sorry I’m so tired. Could we celebrate tomorrow?” I asked, my voice strained and hushed.

Randolph held me tight as he said, “Of course. Tomorrow we’ll hold a banquet and we’ll invite all the nobles!”

I would have loved to make suggestions, but fell asleep in his embrace instead. I couldn’t help but fall asleep to the sound of his melodic heartbeat.

As the news traveled, the palace became swamped with gifts of fresh milk and fruits from the good people of Sisk; priests of all kinds from all over came to bless our unborn child; noble-ladies from the court came running to give me childrearing tips. Even my own guards had tips and suggestions that their wives or mothers had asked them to pass along to me. It was amazing how much attention my child was getting and he or she had not yet entered the world.

By the time I began showing, Randolph had all but restricted me from leaving my room. I could go to the garden and that was it. I also had to be escorted everywhere. I was forbidden from riding Knight or even going to the stables. Randolph insisted that it was too dangerous. It was embarrassing having Jeffery follow me around with a parasol for shade. Eventually I gave up on going outside and shut myself away in the palace. One of the advisors took my role in constructing the school since I no longer could leave the palace. I hated giving up that job, but knew it to be necessary.

Dear Kenneth,

As you know, I am with child. My pregnancy is progressing well. The physician says that I will most likely deliver in January when the air is chilled and the snow is just beginning to fall. I feel that this is a good omen for you and I always loved the cold months. My child will undoubtedly love the snow as I do. I apologize for rambling. How are you fairing? Are your men well? Is he well? Does he know? I can only imagine what it is like receiving such news for him. If he is not well, remind him that my heart still belongs to him. I love you too, brother.

All my love, Anna

I did not always receive an immediate reply to my letters. Sometimes I had to wait a month for the vessel to go out again. It was understandable since Kenneth was in charge of a whole unit. He was a busy man. This particular letter received a quick response though.

Dearest Anna,

The news of your pregnancy is widespread. We have met people all over who know and send their blessings. I am well as are my men. Your Stefan has adjusted in some ways but not all. I hope you do not mind that I allowed him a peek at your latest letter. His heavy heart became overjoyed and light as he read your words. He acts as if the news of your pregnancy is a lie. He denies it. I suppose we all have our fantasies we must maintain to function. I know that you still think about him and wish he could be there with you, but we must all accept what is at some point. Please do not take my words as harsh. Think of them as brotherly advice. Remember that even though I am not near you I am always here for you.

With love, Kenneth

I knew Kenneth’s advice to be true, but had trouble accepting it. I read the letter several times and then begged my unborn child to come soon. Most of the leaves had fallen and the air was becoming colder. With my belly growing larger and larger I wondered if I was still attractive at all. Would Stefan, despite his love for me, be repulsed by me if he saw me now? What about Randolph? We slept together, yes, but we had not made love in quite some time. He didn’t even flirt as he used to. Was I repulsive? Jeffery was constantly telling me that I was radiant, but it felt a bit biased since he was my friend.