Moon of Misfortunes

13

I waited an hour before Rubio came back. I was in too much pain to even dare to go back to bed, let alone the fear that seemed to suffocate me. My eyes stayed transfixed on the waning fire in the fireplace as Rubio entered the room. My gaze snapped onto his movement. He put his hands up, flashing me his palms, in an attempt to calm me. I let out a breath, relieved to see him. He walked over to the bed, offering me his hand.

"I got the doctor up. Come on," he said, urgency in his voice. 

I nodded and grabbed his hand. As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, pain shot up through my stomach and into my back. I groaned sharply, letting go of his hand to apply pressure to my back. My vision began to fade in and out momentarily. I looked up at Rubio.

"I don't think I can stand up. I don't feel okay," I stated, my words slower than usual. 

Without hesitation, he reached down and scooped me out of bed. The pain continued to rip through my body. Rubio held me bridal style as he walked to the door, carefully using the hand under my legs to haphazardly open it. A jolt of pain shot through me, causing me to bite my lip to stifle a reaction. He looked at me, his face scrunching with concern.

"Sorry, I'll try to be more gentle," he whispered.

"Don't worry about me right now. Just get me to the doctor, please." He nodded firmly.

We walked out of the room, and I watched the door shut behind us over his strong shoulder. The palace was dimly lit, yet the silver of the numerous locks on the outside of my door sparkled in the available light. I looked around frantically, worried that someone would see us and we'd both get in more trouble than we already were.

"Rubio," I hushed out. "We're going to get caught. Maybe you should just put me back in the room before—"

He scoffed lightly, cutting me off. "Don't worry about getting in trouble."

"I'm not worried about me; I'm worried about you."

"A majority of the staff listen to me more than they listen to the Council. Besides, money talks. How do you think I've been able to come into your room so often?" he chuckled softly. "I get what I want. And I want to take you to the doctor."

"Okay," I breathed out, pulling my eyes to him. 

My body bobbed lightly as he walked quickly through the palace. Each bounce caused my side to rub against his chest. In any other situation, I would appreciate his closeness, but the pain snapped me back to reality. I swallowed down my thoughts quickly, refocusing on his face as he paused. 

I felt him kick his foot against something a few times, causing a knocking sound to echo around us. I turned to face the door as it swung open, the light from inside forcing me to squint and turn my head back to Rubio. I pushed into his chest slightly.

"Hurry up," a feminine voice rushed out, ushering him into the room. Rubio jerked into the room. Between the rapid movements and the sudden brightness, my consciousness began to wane. With heavy eyes, I relaxed further into the warmth of Rubio's chest.

"Lay her down here," the doctor instructed, her voice firm but gentle. Rubio carefully placed me on a soft couch. I winced as the movement caused another surge of pain.

The doctor, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, immediately began assessing my condition. She gently pressed on my abdomen, her brow furrowing. 

"You've endured significant trauma," she murmured. "We need to make sure the babies are okay."

Rubio hovered nearby, his anxiety palpable. "Will she be alright?"