The Orphaned Queen (By Brandi Ray) novel Chapter 63

Rains’ P.O.V.

After the Doctor explains that we’re expecting twins, pointing out the two beans on the screen. He tells us he can give us pictures of the sonogram and a CD containing a video of the sonogram with the audio of the heartbeats. I chose to get both, thinking it would be a cute idea to announce our pregnancy by putting it on the projector we will be using to play Shrek for our movie night. Doctor Jameson says he will be back with both in a minute before walking out the door, leaving Zion and me in the room alone. He helps me sit up on the edge of the hospital bed, and I smile at him.

“I think we should make the announcement tonight,” I say, making him smile.

“How would you like to do it?” He asks.

“I was thinking we use the projector. We can play the CD before the movie.” I say.

“Maybe we should play it after the movie so we don’t have people interrupting us during the movie.” He tells me.

“I agree. That sounds like a good idea,” I say, giggling. Zion gently touches my cheek and kisses my forehead, making me blush as I look up and get lost in his beautiful blue eyes. Suddenly I hear someone clearing their throat and look over to see the Doctor standing in the doorway with a smile, holding a CD and a white envelope. I quickly hop off the hospital bed. Unfortunately, I slip and almost fall on my face, but lucky for me, Zion catches me just inches from the floor. When he helps me regain my balance, I let out a nervous laugh.

“My Queen, You may start experiencing a loss of balance due to your ovaries releasing relaxin, a hormone that softens the ligaments in your pelvis to create space for the growing fetus or fetuses, in your case. Please be careful.” Doctor Jameson says, looking slightly worried.

“That’s normal, right?” Zion asks him.

“Yes, it’s normal. But call me immediately if you begin to experience dizzy spells or start blacking out or if you begin to feel painful pinching in your pelvic area, though some discomfort is normal.” He says, and I nod my head.

“If you ever have any concerns or questions, you can link me or come in, and I’ll check everything to put your mind at ease. But as of now, everything looks great.” He tells us as he hands me the CD and envelope.

“Thank you, Doctor,” I say with a smile. Zion takes my hand while wrapping his other arm around me to help me stay balanced, and we walk out of the room.

When we arrive at the castle, we pull around to the back at the entrance of the courtyard. Zion helps me out of the Jeep, handing the keys to one of the guards standing by the gate, asking him to return it to the garage before walking me through the gate, where I stop to look around. It’s beautiful, with hanging lights, colorful palettes, and pillows that have been tossed everywhere. It reminds me of when Jess and I would have pajama parties with the kids at the orphanage. We would make little forts of blankets and all sleep in the living room after watching a movie or two.

“Just like old times, huh?” Jess asks me, walking up behind us, and I nod.

“One of the few good times at that hell hole,” I say with a smile, still looking at everything beautifully decorated.

“So, how did the appointment go?” She asks with anticipation in her voice.

“You’ll have to wait and see.” I tease her. Orian joins us, and I hand him the CD. “Can you play this after the movie, please?”

“Of course, my Queen.” He says, taking the CD while giving Zion a questioning look.

“You’ll have to wait, too,” Zion tells him with a laugh.

“Oh, I forgot. I got Evan to run to the store to get your favorite snacks.” Jess says as she pulls out a bag of blue cotton candy and a pack of nerds from her big plastic bag.

“Thank you!” I say, more excited than I had planned, making everyone laugh.

“Let’s get you to your palette, and I’ll grab you a smoothie. I’ll also find Odett.” Zion says as he leads me to one of the palettes in the front.

“She’s with Stephanie and Ms.Blanch,” Jess tells him, pointing to the extra large palettes with all the orphaned pups and the coven witches’ children.

“Thank you,” Zion says as he helps me sit on our palette.

“You know you don’t have to help me sit down, right? I can still see my own feet and bend down.” I say with a laugh.

“It makes me feel better to help you, even if you can do all those things without my assistance.” He says with a smile. “Humor me.”

“If you insist,” I say, rolling my eyes while laughing.

“What kind of smoothie would you like?” He asks me.

“Yes, ma’am!!” She squeals with excitement. Soon we’re surrounded by people offering their congratulations and expressing their happiness for us. I’ve never felt so much love and acceptance from anyone other than my little family, making my heart melt.

“I’m so happy that we’ve found where we belong,” Dosha says.

“You’ve been very quiet this afternoon,” I say, slightly worried.

“I was tired, so I took a little nap after you ate.” She says.

“Are you okay?” I ask her.

“Yes. I’ve just felt drained.” She answers.

“Should we talk to the Doctor?” I ask.

“I’m sure it’s nothing. Everything will be fine.” She says. But I decide I’ll check in with the Doctor in the morning.

“Are you okay, my love?” Zion asks me.

“Yes, Dosha has been asleep since the buffet, and I’m worried about her. She says she was tired.” I answer him honestly.

“Do we need to call the Doctor?” He asks with a worried expression.

“I’m not in any pain, so I think it’ll be okay to wait until the morning to call him,” I tell him. He nods in understanding.

“In that case, I think it’s time for bed.” He says, motioning for me to look at Jess, now holding a sleeping Odett in her arms. “I guess all the excitement has finally gotten to her.”