Deceive not my love-The prince and his maid II

Coming clean

6 weeks later

*Pearl*

I am wandering the corridors of the castle, having told my maids to leave me alone. Even though they know they are not supposed to, they did this time… probably my tone scared them off.

Feeling agitated and unwell, I couldn’t find rest, but walking is uncomfortable too and I feel like I am lumbering along like an overweight docile bear, my stomach having ballooned lately.

Sighing, I touch my swollen belly. “I am sorry, but I really wish you weren't there”.

When I was younger I dreamed of marriage and kids, and naive as I was I dreamed of love. And it’s not really Will’s fault, he is a sweet enough guy, but we are not suited for each other.

It isn’t the baby's fault either, in some ways I am grateful for it, because it helped me escape, but knowing the truth of its origin and how my lies might be exposed I would prefer to be without a child.

Because the truth is that the baby is not Will’s, I was already pregnant when he arrived in my country and my uncle saw a way to get rid of both me and the problems the baby could cause… and at the same time gain a way into Agreydor, a kingdom he has long coveted.

Suddenly and very unexpected pain rips through me and I have to lean on the clammy wall so as not to fall to my knees. A groan escapes me.

I instantly know something is wrong and that I have to find someone to help me.

Another wave of pain has me gasping, one hand supporting me against the wall and the other cradling my bump.

The pain makes me dizzy, and darkness is almost instantly pulling at me, promising to take away the pain.

*Will*

I am hurrying down the hallway… one of Pearl’s maids has come to me, telling me that she acted strange and that she is roaming the halls alone.

Not that I think anyone would dare hurt her, I still want to check on her, making sure everything is okay. Lately she has seemed to retract more and more, not only from my company, but from all. I asked my mother and she said it could be the hormones, but I think there is more to it.

I wonder where she can be, but none of the servants I meet has seen her and I actually start to worry.

Then suddenly I hear a groan from a side corridor and I pick up my pace, hurrying around the corner. “Pearl… what is happening ?”

“The baby”. She gasps, lifting her hand, there is blood on it. “The baby is coming”.

“Oh !” I know this is too early, this is not good. I hurry over to her, lifting her into my arms. And on my way back to her chamber I ask two servants to get the doctor and the midwife instantly.

She is whimpering and I feel her whole body tense in my arms. I might not love her, but it still hurts to see her in pain like this.

When I get to the room, I lay her on the bed. Soon after the doctor and the midwife are both there, and start examining her.

“You can leave now your highness”. The midwife says.

I shake my head. “No, I am staying here”.

“It is really not appropriate for a man to be…”. The midwife starts saying. She is an elderly and kinda sour looking woman.

“I said: I am staying here”. I try using the same voice as my father, when he is being the King. I mean of course he is always the King, but he has this special voice… Mom calls it his King voice.

The midwife looks slightly offended. “I really have to insist…”.

“I think my son said that he is staying, so let him be and start doing your job”. My mother’s voice is sharp, but turns soft as she turns to me. “What is happening Will ?”

I tell her as much as I know, feeling Pearl should be telling it, but it is also clear that she is not capable of speaking right now.

My mom looks at the doctor. “Is the baby coming ?”

“Yes your majesty… there is no way of stopping it”. The doctor says with a slight nod of his head.

Pearl screams in pain and I hurry to her side, taking her hand as I look at the doctor. “Will the baby be okay ? Will my wife be okay ?”

The doctor looks at my mother and she closes her eyes for a moment, then smiles at me. “Everyone will do their beat for this to end well”.

“You do not have to…”. My wife starts to say, but then another burst of pain clearly shoots through her and she screams in pain.

I gently caress her hand, trying to give her a reassuring smile. “I want to stay… I Got you okay ?”

“Thanks”. She gives me a weak smile as the pain subsides.

The next two hours are possibly the worst in my life. Everyone is fluttering about, doing what they need to do. My mother is acting like a general, commanding everyone around, telling Pearl when to breathe and when to press, and I am grateful she is there.

Finally after what feels like forever, the midwife pulls something up from the bed, swaddling it in a blanket. There is no crying.

Pearl looks totally exhausted, but she squeezes my hand and I look at the midwife. “Is the baby okay ?”

“Your highness”. She says, looking almost scared, as her eyes go to my mother.

My mom steps over, looking at the bundle and a gasp escapes her as her hand goes to her mouth. “Oh God”.

“Mom… what is it ?” I get up and want to go over there.

She shakes her head. “No Will, you shouldn’t see this”.

“Mom, I know you are trying to protect me”. I say softly. “But that is my baby”.

“No”. It’s a weak croak from the bed.

I turn to look at Pearl. “What ?”

She whimpers, and shakes her head. “I am so sorry Will, but it is not your baby”.