Renisannce Romance

Sickness

    Saphirra woke up the next morning to the bright sun and Christopher's arm wrapped around her.  She turned to face him and smiled as he looked back at her.  "Good morning Wife."  "Good morning Husband."  He sighed, "I don't want to leave, but I suppose we need to get back to the palace.  Your parents want to begin discussing our coronation."  She nodded and began to get up and dress for the day.  "Last night was wonderful, it was everything I dreamed it would be," Christopher said smiling.  Saphirra smiled and thought about how she felt like she was being intimate with a friend instead of a lover.  She tried not to compare to Rhett, but it was impossible not to think of him.  Christopher kissed her cheek, "I will tell them to prepare the horses for our departure and see if breakfast has been prepared."  

    He walked out of the room and she put her head in hands as she sat down on the bed.  She didn't like lying to him, but she knew she had no choice.  He would probably tell her the child was his now regardless.  She stood up and pulled out a red dress with white lace detail.  She always loved wearing red, it made her feel attractive.  She looked at herself and the mirror and sighed thinking of how this would be the rest of her life.

*****

    Twilia's family were busy running circles around Rhett's home as they prepared for the wedding.  They were to be married within the week and there was much to be done.  Rhett stood staring out of the front window as if he was the only one in the house.  She walked over to him brushing past her aunt and sister choosing fabric for tablecloths.  "Rhett, what's the matter?"  He shook his head, "I am perfectly fine, why do you ask."  "The fire in you that I love so much is gone.  You are not yourself lately."  He turned to look at her, "I'm sorry, my mind feels heavy as of late, perhaps I'll take a rest while you ladies work."  He waved to the women as she watched after him.  She knew it was because of the Princess and there was nothing she could do.  She followed him back to his room and knocked.

    "Rhett? May I speak to you?"  She closed the door behind her and looked at the ground.  "I know you don't truly want to marry me and I wasn't the first choice for you.  You've always been first to me.  I pray that one day you'll love me like you love her.  Maybe one day you won't even think of her anymore.  I promise to be a faithful, loving wife.  I'll cook for you, clean for you, and take care of our children.  Anything I have is yours until my last breath."  She had tears running down her cheeks as she spoke and he wasn't sure how to respond to seeing this strong woman cry.  He took her hands in his, "Twilia, I am so sorry I have been distant.  You deserve more than I am giving you and more than I can ever give you.  Even though she is on  my mind, I do care for you and I'm thrilled to be marrying you."

    He pulled her into a hug as she kissed his cheek.  Suddenly he felt her go limp in his arms, "Twilia?"  He shook her with no response. "Twilia?  Send for the doctor! She's fainted!"  Her aunt ran in with a cold cloth to hold on her head as her cousin ran for the doctor.  Rhett whispered in her ear to come back to him as he held her.  Minutes went by seeming like days before the doctor arrived back.  "I need everyone to give us some privacy while I assess her."

*****

The doctor called Rhett into the room after he examined her.  She was sitting up in the bed, still tired from her episode.  "I cannot say I have good news.  Twilia is very ill.  She has the sweats and her bones are causing her pain.  I'm afraid I cannot say if this will last a long while.  She may have days and she may have years left.  It's difficult to diagnose.  I do know the medications needed to treat her will be very expensive and hard for her to get as an unmarried woman." Rhett stared at her with concern, "She won't be unmarried for long.  I will pay for her treatment, I'm training for the royal guard."  The doctor nodded and they thanked him for coming.  

    Rhett sat down by her bedside, "You gave me quite the scare."  She smiled a half smile, "I'm sorry, but you do not owe me anything.  You don't need to pay for treatments."  "Of course I do, I'm going to be your husband.  I have to take care of you."  "If you insist Sir," she smiled and cuddled into his arms.  How was he going to afford this he thought?  He would have to complete training quicker to make more money.  He couldn't loose another person he cared about.