When Stars Fall(The Last Star Trilogy #3)

Chapter 14-Annabelle Virgo

I was still shocked by the news. Even after weeks of nausea and migraines, I suspected I had another life inside of me. But I had pushed those assumptions away since I didn't want them to be true. Lydia came to my room last night and we went to the hospital wing. The female doctor showed me the blood test reports and congratulated me on the pregnancy.

"Alright, thank you, doctor." Alec nodded and the doctor left.

I couldn't meet his eyes, I despised him even more now.

"Do you want to make an announcement now or wait a few months?" he asked after a long pause. I nearly snapped at him but out of fear of getting another beating I stayed silent.

"The rule is to wait twelve weeks before making a public announcement," he continued. I hadn't heard him talk politely before this. "We can find out the gender but we're not allowed to divulge it."

"That won't be until at least four months," I informed and covered my face with my hands. He sat on the edge of the bed, his back touching my foot. Tears pricked my eyes, threatening to spill. Perfect timing, I thought. My breaths were shaky.

"Look, I know you didn't want this, you were expecting other things at this point in your life. You don't want to be a parent but that's not how it is here," he explained as calmly as he could, which was an accomplishment on it's own for someone like him. "You need to try to understand because now you have another life to take care of. And he or she is going to be the heir of Hydra and Ophiuchus combined."

"Why are you telling me all this? I already know." I massaged my temples.

"I'm trying to make conversation," he forced out the words, standing. "Take care of yourself. My work here is done."

"Is that why you were being so nice to me? Because you needed an heir?"

His scoff broke the silence. "Don't be so surprised. It's just how it works. You'll get used to it, eventually."

I ate more than I should have and felt better after the drugs kicked in and I was able to walk on my own without feeling dizzy. I was discharged the next morning with permission to sleep in a few hours late, take meals in my room if I wanted and rest as much as possible.

Lydia was more excited than me, already coming up with names. "How long does it take?" she questioned as she tried to half carry me up the stairs.

"Eight to nine months," I reminded for the tenth time, I couldn't help but smile. Part of me thought that I should just go with it. I should just be and do whatever they wanted me to. I didn't have a choice anymore. As much as I hated it, I was thinking about my unborn child. He or she has nothing to do with the rebellion so I didn't want it to suffer the consequences of my actions. I knew I'd get blamed for not being a good parent even if a minor detail was out of place.

"Only a few months to go!" I laughed at her impatience. My maids had decorated my room with flowers-Stargazer Lilies-and changed the bedsheets, the table which held the refreshments-alcohol which I wasn't allowed anymore-now had water and fruit. Breakfast was waiting on two trolleys and I was burning with hunger even though I had a proper dinner last night and some fruit before I left the hospital wing.

"Mother will come to check on you and so will Alec, he's busy at the moment so he asked me to help you," Lydia said as she stared at the curtains. "Should I open these?"

"No, that's fine. Thank you," I said. "And you don't need to help. You're the one who is supposed to be waited on and besides, I have enough caretakers."

Lydia smiled brighter than ever. "Don't worry about the whole...early parenthood thing. We have nannies for children so they won't bother you that much."