Chapter 61: This Isn't Good

Franz burst into the room frantically with the royal doctor and Al on his heels. "Mariela? Does anything hurt? Are you still feeling ill?"

He hovered over her like a fruit fly does a bunch of bananas as the doctor began his ministrations. Al and I hung back by the door, grave-faced.

"I ran into Franz on the way," he whispered. "He has been panicking the entire time. Quite annoying, really."

I shot him a look. "She's his wife, it's normal for him to worry when she's sick."

"Nobody should worry that much."

"You're saying you wouldn't worry about me?" I teased.

I meant is as a lighthearted comment, thinking he would come up with some sarcastic reply but he remained silent. Oh. He actually would worry about me. My stomach flip-flopped. I wasn't sure how to feel about that.

After several very tense minutes the doctor smiled at Franz. "Congratulations, Your Highness. The princess is with child! She appears to be about two months along."