Chapter 6 Family Time

• Annie
• Being pregnant isn't fair. Everyone tells me not to be stressed, that I need to relax, that it's important for me to be calm at all times, yet it's arguably the most stressful time in a woman's life. I mean, imagine having another living being growing inside you that you have to carry and protect. Now imagine there are two in there, because that's what I'm dealing with right now. I'm overly cautious about every little thing, always making sure I don't hit my bump on anything or accidentally fall. Every time I feel remotely crappy, I worry something has happened to the babies.
• All this being said, if you think my concern and paranoia levels are high, you haven't met tinfoil hat Daniel who freaks out when I sneeze.
• Trust me. I wish that was a joke.
• Just yesterday I sneezed and my lovely husband, who's lately been so overbearing that it gets on my nerves sometimes, panicked and put his hands over my bump that seems to be growing larger every day, and then proceeded to call not one of my seven doctors, but three, to make sure everything was alright.
• I have one thing to say on the matter. I really hope the royal bank is paying them well, because I bet my husband doesn't tell me how many times a day he contacts them with concerns.
• Of course, I don't mean to sound like I'm unappreciative. I love how protective he is of us and it's endearing, but when he's hovering over me as I put on my shoes and spotting me as I walk down the hall, it can get a tad bit irritating.
• My mother laughs and shakes her head while I tell her this. "Of course he is, dear. Men are hilarious and their reaction when the woman they love is pregnant is nothing short of a riot. Your father was the same way."
• Queen Clarita nods beside me as she picks up a onesie and feels it in her fingers. "Oh yes, I think it's because they feel so helpless and they need to feel like they're useful in some way."
• My mother agrees. "I think you're right. And I was aggravated with your father at times as well, just wait until the hormones rage. One time I blew up and yelled at him while I was carrying Max for offering me a sandwich."
• Clarita laughs. "A sandwich? I did the same but it was over a pickle!"
• All three of us laugh and share stories about men and pregnancy, and for the first time in weeks I feel calm and relaxed for real. None of this forced deep breaths or listing to classical music bullshit that the doctors have me do. I'm glad we had the chance to do this. I definitely needed to get out more and socialize with people other than my husband and baby Baxter, who has been growing up faster than I'd like. If this is any reflection of motherhood, I already know it's going to be hard.
• "What colors are you thinking for the nursery?" My mother asks.
• I purse my lips in thought. "I'm not sure." Frankly, I'm not so sure about a lot of things. Like, for example, where is our nursery going to be? Daniel and I live in a suite of the palace, are we going to stay there? If so we're going to have to add another room or place the cribs and baby items in ours. Granted, the suite is only three rooms and a bathroom, but it's very spacious so it could work. But back to her question. "I'm thinking a light yellow or green. Gender neutral colors."
• Clarita smiles. "That would be so adorable, and that gives me the prefect segway into a conversation I've been meaning to have with you, Annie."
• I wish I could hide my surprise, but her statement caught me off guard. "Oh!"
• "Well, I'm sure you are both somewhat aware of how royal affairs work?" She asks both my mother and I.
• We both look at each other and nod, but my mother speaks first. "All I see on that darned television is gossip about my daughter's belly and who the next King is going to be, it's crazy."
• Clarita smiles warmly and laughs and I feel butterflies in my tummy. She doesn't even have to say it. I already know. "Is it true?" I ask her in disbelief.
• She gives me a watery smile.
• I feel my eyes widen, my palms start to sweat. "Oh my gosh, but it... it's so soon."
• "I know, but he couldn't wait any longer. We already know the answer."
• My mother clears her throat and raises a brow. "Hello? It seems like I'm out of the loop here?"
• The Queen turns to my mother and smiles. "It is with great honor that I inform you both... as of today, your daughter is the official pick for the next Queen of Verilia."
• My mother nearly faints and I have to catch her so she stays on her feet. I can't help but smile and place a hand on my belly. If someone told me a year ago that I'd not only be pregnant with twins, but also married to a prince and set to become the next queen of a european nation I would laugh in their face. Add in the fact that my husband loves to spank and dominate me... and well... I'd have a whole laughing fit.
• Of course, as I feel my bump and think back on how I got to where I am, I wouldn't change a thing because I'm happy. This Queen has found her King, and there is nothing anyone else can do to take this life away from me.
• That, I am sure of.