I wanted to be her hero. The one who saves her from whatever it is that’s haunting her and holding her captive. Maybe she’s right, and I need to listen. But I already know that’s impossible. She can say whatever she likes, but we both know the truth. And that’s the one I’ll stick to.
34
MARCELLA
Islept like shit, tossing and turning, my heart heavy and my thoughts chaotic. I’d doze and dream about him. Dreams that would start wonderfully and turn ugly and dark. He’s supposed to come home today, and my plan is to keep my distance. He said he’d let me.
That’s how we got off the phone.
It’s over now, and I have to accept it. Hell, I made it so.
At least the three stooges are gone, and I can work without having to worry about them. I text Jaqueline to tell her that I love her and that I’ll be home soon. I don’t dare text her more than that. Antonia monitors our phones.
I can’t stomach food, but coffee is a must, and after I’ve downed my second cup, I head upstairs to start on the royal bedrooms. Except when I get to the king and queen’s, I find Bellamy still in bed, which is rare.
“Oh, Your Majesty, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“No, it’s fine,” she says. She’s on her left side with a large body pillow tucked around her. “I have a bad headache and didn’t feel like yoga thismorning.”
I enter the room and shut the door behind me to give her privacy. “Can I get you anything?”
“No, but thank you. This pregnancy is kicking my ass. Along with this headache. It feels like a migraine. I used to get them as a kid but haven’t had one in years. I’m nauseous, have blurry vision, and the light hurts my eyes.” She laughs lightly. “I’m a mess. My legs are swollen too. I’m a whale and can barely walk because of how swollen I am! Plus, one of the babies must have settled under my right rib because the pain there is wicked.”
“Maybe we should ring your doctor.”
“I’m seeing her tomorrow, and I was there two weeks ago. All she said was that my blood pressure was a little high and that we’d monitor it. I’m fine. It’s just a rough da?—”
Before she’s able to finish her thought, her body jerks, and she lurches as if she’s going to launch herself out of the bed before she starts violently vomiting.
I fly toward her, grab her hair, and hold her body up, which is no easy feat with her large belly. She cries out in pain as more vomit covers the bed and floor.
“Oh god,” she wails between heaves.
I climb up onto my knees and hold her with one hand. With my other, I reach into my pocket and pull out my work phone. We have an emergency app, and I trigger the alarm.
“It’s okay,” I tell her. “I’ve got you. Help is on the way.”
“No. It’s just a migraine. It’s not a big deal.”
“We’ll let your doctor decide that.”
“No, no.”
“Bellamy, stop arguing.”
She sags and finally nods. “You’re right. I’m being dumb.”
Not even a minute later, the door bursts open, and two royal attendants are there with their freaking guns drawn.
“Whoa! Put those away! Her Majesty is very sick and needs to go to the hospital immediately. Please ring for an ambulance and get the king here.”
Guns are holstered and they speak into their wrists.
Bellamy collapses, and I gently set her down away from the mess before I race into the bathroom for a washcloth. I run it under cold water and return, clean up her face, and press it to her forehead. She’s not speaking, her eyes are closed, and her face is tense.
Panic consumes me, and I press two fingers to her wrist. Her pulse is racing.
I keep the washcloth on her forehead, whispering soothing words.