Color of Roses

Serious Situation

Chapter 40

"How could you have been so irresponsible," Giles says exasperated. He paces around the library and places the tips of his fingers against his temple and sighs with irritation. "This changes everything."

I look down at my feet and think of something to say. I feel a soft squeeze from Alyn's hand and glance over to see him give me a reassuring smile. He turns to look toward Giles and speaks. "I want to get married as soon as possible. I think it's the best option right now."

Giles looks at him with a cocked brow. "You think marriage will fix this?"

"It won't fix anything but I'd rather be officially married in the eyes of the people before this baby is born."

Giles lets out an amused snort. "It'll be hard to hide Aria's condition from those same people, Alyn."

Alyn looks away disgruntled and he knows he's losing the battle with Giles. "Regardless, I still want to show the people we're committed to each other and to Wysteria. Some of them might not agree with Aria being pregnant but there's nothing we can do about it."

Giles sighs and his eyes flicker to mine. "I guess we have no choice, do we? I'll admit I'm impressed you held onto this secret as long as you did. I knew you were hiding something but I never expected this." His eyes lower and I tug on my dress self-consciously.

"Stop acting like it's her fault," Alyn says protectively. "I'm just as much involved as she is."

"Of course; Aria couldn't have conceived a child on her own," Giles scoffs.

I blink my eyes at how Giles' is acting towards us. I feel like a huge disappointment. "I need some fresh air," I say rising. Giles eyes me and I wrap my arms around my middle to hide my stomach. I hear Alyn rise from his seat as well. "We're done here," he says and follows me out of the study.

"Aria," he says tenderly. "He shouldn't have treated you that way."

"He's right though. I'll only get bigger and everyone will know that I was careless enough to become pregnant before I'm anointed queen. I'm not even a real heir to the throne, just one that was picked out of a majority of women." I feel my eyes water and I rub my eyes to wipe the tears away. I turn away and begin to run down the hall. I hear Alyn following behind me and I push myself harder and run out into the cool air outside. Breathless, I stumble forward and catch myself on my knees.

"Aria, you shouldn't run like that," Alyn says sternly.

"I can't handle the stress anymore," I cry out. "I hate having to hide it from everyone. It's so hard finding a dress that fits or trying not to vomit when I smell something that doesn't agree with me. You don't understand what I'm going through!" I start to run again but Alyn's hand wraps around my waist and I feel myself being pulled back and embraced by his arms. "You're right; I don't understand what you have to go through. I'm not the one carrying a life inside me. But you're not the only one keeping it a secret. It's so hard not to embrace you in the halls or to ask you how you're feeling when others are around. When you first told me, I was so happy I wanted to tell everyone but I knew that wasn't want you wanted. You're not alone, Aria."

The tears start to drip from my cheeks. Pain shoots through my abdomen and I feel my stomach start to tighten and contract causing me to release a sound of discomfort. Alyn's arms rest at my hips and I lean into him clenching my stomach. "It hurts," I moan.

I feel strong arms lift me and I'm cradled against Alyn's chest. He carries me back into the castle at a hurried pace and I close my eyes as the paint continues to radiate through my body. I hear concerned voices around us but my focus remains on contractions. "It's not time yet," I force through strained breathing. Alyn remains quiet and his head remains forward.

"What's going on?" I hear one of my maids ask.

"She started having contractions when we were outside," Alyn says trying to catch his breath. He places me onto the bed and I feel his soft hands caress my hair. "It'll be okay," he says and kisses my forehead gently. "Get the doctor now!"

My stomach spams once again and I pull my knees up to ease the pain. Alyn begins to remove my heels and unties the back of my dress. "We need to get this off her so she can relax."

I lean against the pillow in nothing but my undergarments and the coolness of the room makes me shiver. My hand rests against my stomach and I feel the muscles tighten and loosen. "I don't want to lose the baby," I start to cry.

Alyn places a hand over mine. "That's not going to happen. Just try to relax."

I close my eyes and focus on breathing. My heart is racing and my chest still feels heavy. I force myself to breath in a routine and after minutes my body starts to calm down. The muscles in my stomach begin to relax and I find myself able to breathe naturally again.

"Tell me what happened," I hear a new voice say. I open my eyes to see the doctor enter the room and walk over carrying a bag.

"We were out in the gardens and she started having contractions," Alyn says with worried eyes.

The doctor doesn't respond but instead places an instrument against my chest and then down to my stomach. "Have they stopped," he says looking at me. I nod my head softly.

"Do you know what caused them to start?"

"We were talking and she became upset. That's when they started."

"It seems the stress caused her body to go into pre-labor. She'll need consistent bedrest to make sure they don't start up again. You need to remain calm and relaxed. Stress and getting upset aren't healthy for you or your unborn child."

"We understand," Alyn answers. He follows the doctor out and into the hall and I sigh. If I had kept my emotions in check, this wouldn't have happened. One of my maids hands me my nightgown and I slide over my head.

"Is there anything you need? I can bring you some water or tea," the maid suggests.

I just nod so she'll leave. I remain sitting upward and wait for the room to quiet down. Alyn returns and closes the door behind him. Our eyes meet and I'm the first one to look away. My hands rest on my belly instinctively and I feel the soft flutter of movement.

I watch Alyn as he climbs onto the bed and pulls me onto his lap and wraps his arms around me pulling me closer until his head rests on mine. "Everything's going to be okay," he says softly.

His hands find mine and rest protectively against my stomach. We both sit quietly and I feel his hands stroke the silk of my gown. "I was scared," I say with a shaky voice.

Alyn pulls me closer and tightens his hold. "So was I," he murmurs. I feel his lips brush the tip of my ear. I feel tears start to form in my eyes and I blink them away. "I'm so glad I have you, Alyn."

I feel Alyn's gentle hands slide under my chin and tilt my face to his. His warm lips touch mine lightly and then roughly. His other hand locks fingers between mine enveloping our unborn child beneath. I let him kiss me, letting all the stress fly away and focus on our small family.