Odette

Thirty Five

5 months later

Odette

"Odette, how have you been feeling?" Poppy asked as we did my monthly check up 

"Tired... my back hurts and I can't see my feet anymore" I cried as being in my third trimester was harder than I expected 

I began to get cold flashes and standing up was difficult, I looked like a huge balloon and it didn't help that Benedict would laugh when I couldn't get my shoes on. 8 months pregnant and I was extremely ready for the girls to come, I hated being pregnant... it was uncomfortable and I miss fitting in my clothes 

"I can prescribe you some pain relief" Poppy said helping me off the table

I nodded my head and left the room to find Benedict, Its been 5 months since he became king and as I predicted he had brought the kingdom back up. The people were joyful and the advisors praised his wise decisions. Eric was still in a coma and the doctor said he should have woken up months ago... many were losing hope on him and many asked if it was time to let him go but I refused. I know he is still alive 

Walking down the hall, I stopped at Benedicts study and entered. Walking in I began to wish I had knocked before as Benedict was butt naked tangled with a women. Both of them looked at me shocked as I quickly turned around as seeing Eric's brother butt naked was not something I wanted to witness

"Odette, give... ummm, give me a second" he breathed heavily as I left the room 

Lately, he had been a lady magnet. Once women found out the new king was single they went crazy I wanted him to settle down with a noble honest women but he has expressed multiple times that he is not ready for any commitment. I couldn't see the women's face so I had no idea who she was. A few minutes later the door opened and the mystery women walked out bowing at me before she ran off. This time I got a better look at her and was shocked to see it was one of my maids... this man was sheepish 

Benedict came out with a robe on as he gave me a boyish smile, I walked past and went to sit on the chair near his desk

"Sorry about that" he cleared his throat 

"By all means... its your life. But my maid Benedict???" I questioned trying to get the picture out my mind 

"Women have been all over me, I can't help myself" he cheesed 

I rolled my eyes at his horrible excuse and decided to get to the point of my meeting, "Elida said you haven't been answering her messages" I stated 

Benedict began to rub his neck as I could tell this was stressful. The forest had been in uproar over the new reign and had many questions for what this new era will mean. Many did not want to mingle with the humans or allow them in the forest anymore but Benedict strongly believed that was the only way we could fix this feud 

"I was going to get to that today, I'm trying my best to commentate everyone" he sighed 

I understood how hard this job was, it's not that simply to put a bandaid on a deep wound his uncle created. However, I was proud of how Benedict was handling everything. I hadn't been to the forest since his coronation Elida tried to convince me to come home but I had to stay near Eric and help Benedict as much as I could 

Poppy volunteered to stay behind with me and since then we've grown our friendship. Being the only two Elves the palace wasn't easy but I enjoyed her company. She made it feel a little bit like home and I was happy to have her by my side 

"How is Eric?" Benedict suddenly asked 

He stopped visiting two months ago as he found it hard to believe he was still in a coma. I feel he blames himself for what happened to Eric 

"Still sleep but he's doing good" I smiled

I take care of him everyday making sure to keep him clean and comfortable in the bed, the maids often gave me crazy looks but I didn't care. I know he will wake up soon

"Thats nice. How are my nieces?"  Benedict said before pulling out more paperwork 

I began to rub my big belly as the realization of them coming was hitting me, in less than a month I would have two baby girls depending on me. It was scary and I know I have a lot of support and love but without Eric it has felt  lonely 

"They keep me up all night" I mumbled as Benedict laughed at me

"They'll be here soon and keep all of us up" he cheered causing me to laugh now

I really appreciated our relationship, Benedict was like an older brother I never had. He kept me steady these past 5 months and was supportive when others doubted me or questioned why decisions

"I will get out your hair, its getting late and I should check on Eric" I said standing up and walking to the door

Benedict gave me a light wave as he started to get busy with his work. It was the late evening and I would eat dinner soon with Eric. I never left his room for long, I made the maids add a bed in the room in case he woke up. Walking down the long hall I made it to the stairs and went upstairs

As I approached the door, I found the butlers setting up my dinner and changing his blanket, "I can do it" I announced causing all of them to leave 

I sat down in the rocking chair Poppy had gotten me at a market, she said it would be good for when the babies came. Benedict had asked if we should begin the nursery but I was against it as I wanted Eric to be present when it happened. Eating my meal I let the tears I had been holding in throughout the day

Nobody knew but every night I came in here I would sob to myself quietly, after one month of him not waking up I was hopeful that maybe he needed a few more weeks. It has been 5 months now and it hurt that the possibility of him not waking up dawned upon me. I didn't want to raise my girls alone and I had no idea how to explain to them that their father was in a coma

"The girls are growing, Poppy thinks they'll be due any day now" I hiccuped 

"Benedict has become a man whore but he seems to be doing well as king. I'm really proud of him" I laughed as the room was silent. Most would think I'm talking to myself and call me crazy

"I'm really scared Eric... I want you to be by my side when I go into labor. I want our girls to grow up with their father. I want us to go back to how it used to be in the forest" I started to cry harder 

The echo of my cries were loud as I let my emotions out, I questioned why this was happening to me. What was the reason for this pain and misery, the man I love almost dying. I wish my granny was here so she could hug and tell me it'll be alright. I missed Alice and Alfie... this kingdom was lonely. Poppy was helpful but it wasn't the same, my life had changed so drastically and i struggled everyday to hold a smile 

"Don't cry Odette" a low groan spoke causing me to jerk my body up 

Looking around the room I stared at Eric as I noticed his hand begin to move, I jumped from my chair to be by the side of the bed. His eyes were being to flutter open and I stared at him in utter shock as our hands interlocked 

"I'm sorry for making you cry" he coughed as I sobbed harder 

He was alive... Eric was alive