Mi Princesa

Part Two - Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Christmas Princess

"How are you feeling?" Charles Francis asked looking at Vanessa, it had been a bit of a surprise when the call had come through that Her Majesty the Queen was in labour; it had been a mad dash to get everything ready for the arrival. 

No one wanted to leave anything to chance and the royal couple had the entire hospital floor to themselves as a security issue; no one wanted anyone getting close to the Queen and princess during this time. 

Vanessa glared at the doctor, she was in quite a bit of pain now and she just wanted to hear that it was time for her to push her daughter into the world; the last two hours had been long and she had a feeling labour was going to last a while. 

"You are doing so well Vanessa... baby is moving along nicely," Charles reassured her knowing that she was getting irritated, the news had quickly broken that Vanessa had gone into labour and the media was already camped outside waiting for news. 

There was no hiding that the Queen was going to give birth and Fernando was with her, their children were safe and that was all that mattered right now to the royal family. 

"Nicely?" Vanessa asked peeking at him hopefully, she had no idea how long she would be here and Charlotte had already agreed to take over her speech for tomorrow. 

It wasn't going to be easy but it was clear that Vanessa was going to be out of action and no one wanted her rushing to recover after giving birth; royal duties could wait and she deserved a break after the last year. 

"You're five centre metres," Charles reassured, things were looking good and he was sure the little princess would arrive before the dawn; he was sure everyone would be thrilled with the news that a princess had been born. 

Fernando sat down next to his wife, he wasn't going to leave her side no matter what happened and he couldn't wait for their little girl to be born.

***

"Everything looks good Vanessa," Charles said checking Vanessa's file as Fernando helped her settle on the hospital bed; everything had gone well with her checks and they were moving a long quite nicely. 

Fernando smiled, he had no idea what he would do if something was wrong; he looked at Vanessa who was settled comfortably on the hospital bed dressed in her blue cotton jersey nightdress. 

"I'll be back in a little while to check on you," Charles said smiling before he left the couple alone, he had been keeping an extra close eye on her since second baby's tended to arrive quicker than the first. 

However, the little princess seemed to be taking her time, Vanessa had only dilated one centre metre since Charles had last checked her over when she had been admitted. 

Vanessa leaned back on the bed, she was hopeful that she wasn't going to be in labour for too long; she wanted to hold her little girl in her arms and enjoy Christmas with her. 

"How do you feel?" Fernando asked looking at Vanessa, he wouldn't be leaving her side at any time unless he had to; he wanted her to be relaxed and he didn't think he could bare to leave her alone. 

Vanessa smiled a little, she had no idea how long it would be until she gave birth and she could only hope that it was sooner rather than later; she could only imagine how cold it was outside for the media who was waiting for the announcement of the birth. 

"I'm fine... just a little achy," Vanessa said resting a hand on her bump, she rested her head back on the pillow and watched Fernando; she felt a little better now that she'd had some gas and air. 

Fernando took a deep breath, he slowly moved to sit down next to Vanessa knowing that it was going to be a very long night; he just hoped their little girl wouldn't keep them waiting much longer.