A Rose Called Miracle: Bk 2, Pt 15 - Finale

A Rose Called Miracle: Book 2, Part 15

Author's Note: A Rose Called Miracle is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events are the products of my imagination or are used fictitiously. I have named some real places; however, I have manipulated details of those places to suit my needs. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead is purely coincidence. All characters in intimate situations are 18+.

This story explores transgender and LGBTQ+ themes. You should stop reading now if these topics don't interest you or offend you.

Finally, and to the best of my knowledge, there is no Kingdom of Douravia; although, perhaps the world might be a better place if there was.

*****

Sascha had already hit the play button on Prof J's 2nd lecture, she mumbled some vague response as Robert left her office. She refused to put aside her work for dinner. Instead, Agatha delivered a bowl of vegetable beef soup and a large chunk of crusty bread. Sascha finished the lecture and last bit of bread simultaneously. She flipped open her textbook and did the assigned reading, and afterwards reviewed her pre-semester notes. Satisfied, she moved on to Professor Tidewell's 2nd lecture and repeated the study process. At 9:30 that evening, Robert checked on her--she failed to acknowledge his presence.

Robert returned later. He stood behind her and massaged her tight neck and shoulder muscles. He finally insisted Sascha stand up and stretch a bit. When she finished stretching, Robert let her have the glass of milk and chocolate chip cookie he'd brought with him.

"Thanks Hon. What time is it?" She took a big bite of the cookie.

"Just before eleven."

"Really? I didn't think it was so late. I need about another hour to finish. This cookie is delicious." She chugged the milk and handed the empty glass back to Robert. "Thanks for the snack."

"I'm going to bed now, honey. Please don't stay up too late."

"Uh huh." She was already deep into her notes on Professor Tidewell's lecture.

And that's how it went for the next two weeks until she caught up. She began to look forward to Robert bringing her the glass of milk and cookie. Every night but one Robert was sound asleep by the time Sascha crawled into bed--and that night Sascha was asleep by the time Robert rolled over and rested his hand on her hip.

It was a Saturday, "Hey Sascha?" Robert called out.

"Yeah?" She stepped out of their upstairs kitchen area holding a pot of coffee. She was wearing only a black chemise and matching panties.

"How are you feeling today?" She'd been feeling run down, achy, and generally under the weather for the better part of two weeks. She blamed it on being tired and stressed by school.

"A lot better. Thanks. I don't feel as tired, and the belly soreness has eased up a little. Do you think I might have just pulled a muscle?"

"Possible. I still wish you'd see a doctor."

"Not now. I'm fine. Honest. Don't forget, in May I have my one-year visit with Dr. Lawrence."

Robert grumbled something about a hard head--luckily Sascha didn't hear him. Or she decided it wasn't worth an argument. "So?" He continued, "Since today is the first day of spring, are you caught up enough to go for a walk in the woods?"

"God Yes! Let's go!"

They sat together at Robert's desk and quickly checked the weather. It looked decent. Low 50's; partly cloudy; 0% chance of rain. "We'll need raincoats," Sascha grinned at Robert. Sascha went back to the kitchen and assembled a few sandwiches and filled a thermos of coffee. Robert stood beside her and filled water bottles for each of them. They were out of their apartment in less than 45 minutes--they might have left sooner, but Sascha asked Robert to braid her hair. He spent as much time playing as he did braiding.

"So? Where are we going today?" Sascha asked. As they pulled onto the southbound SE expressway.

"I think we'll try the Blue Hills again. But this time we'll do a harder trail on the other side of the park. Sound okay?"

"I'll follow you anywhere. Let's go." They arrived at the park and hit the trail. The trail hit back with an immediate steep climb. Sascha noticed they were alone. At the top, she gasped, "That was a steep one. Are we coming back this way?"

"Nope. We have three more hills to climb on this trail..."

"Three? Like this one?"

"No. This was the easy one," Robert grinned.

"Seriously?"

"Oh, don't be such a baby. And as I was saying, we have three more climbs then we'll loop around on an easier trail back to the parking lot."

Ninety minutes later they topped the last rise. Sascha found herself at the same stone tower where they'd stopped for lunch the first time they visited. They grabbed a sunny spot and set out their sandwiches, chips, and coffee.

Sascha sipped her warm coffee, "That wasn't as hard as you made it sound. Once I got my legs warmed up and stretched it wasn't too bad. Pass me the chips, please?"

Robert handed her the bag, "I've only taken this trail once before--back when I was in college. I came here with a couple classmates... they never made it up that first hill. And they thought they were in decent shape." He shook his head in mock disgust. Sascha handed back the chips.

"I don't know why," She said between bites of her sandwich, "But I have a sudden craving for something chocolate... maybe a candy bar."

"Sorry. I didn't pack anything like that. If you're desperate we can stop at a mini mart on the drive back." True to his word, when they left the park, they stopped at the first gas station/mini mart they saw. "I need to get gas anyway."

"Do you want me to get you something?" Sascha asked as she slid out of the passenger seat.

"Whatever you're having. Something with almonds or peanuts preferably." Inside, Sascha picked out two chocolate bars: one with almonds, and one with peanuts. She let Robert choose... he took the almond bar.

As he drove, Robert nibbled on his candy; Sascha gulped her's down in three bites and chased it down with a swig of lukewarm coffee from the thermos. She began to squirm in her seat.

Robert noticed, "Is something wrong? You should have used the restroom at the store."

"No. It's not that. Just... I don't know... it's like... I don't know... I just feel strange... anxious. I can't get comfortable. Robert, we need to get home. Can you go faster?" Robert sped up a little, hoping it wasn't enough to draw the attention of prowling staties.

"Robert! Please!" Sascha pleaded just before they entered the tunnel. He glanced over at his wife. Her hands shook, her face was red, and she was sweating.

"Sascha? You don't look well?"

"I'm fine Robert. I just need to get home. Please!" Robert drove as fast as he dared. The flashing blue lights of a state trooper startled him, but he started breathing again as the racing cruiser flew by him. His tires squealed a little as he took the off-ramp out of the tunnel. He raced through two yellow lights, narrowly missing a Volkswagen trying to make a turn on a red light.

Sascha was panting for breath as they slid into their parking slot. She had her door open and was out of the car before Robert could get it completely stopped. She stopped and stepped back to slam the door closed before hurrying toward the elevator.

Sascha yanked open the handprint scanner and slapped down her palm, "You'd better effing work, you electronic piece of junk!" She muttered. She remembered to look at the camera to her right... forced herself to smile. Robert caught up to her just as the security light turned green and the elevator door slid open.

Sascha grabbed Robert's hand and yanked him into the elevator car. She repeatedly jabbed the '11' on the panel. "Move, move!" She stuttered. Robert held her hand. He was shocked by how feverish she felt.

"Sascha..."

"I'm fine. Why won't this thing go faster?" She moaned. Finally, they reached the top floor, and the door began to open. Sascha turned sideways and squeezed through, yanking Robert behind her. "Sorry gentlemen, can't stop to chat, gotta get to the apartment ASAP." Sascha called out to the gawking security detail as she ran by them.

Robert ran too. "Small bladder, I think?" He explained.

Sascha started pounding on the main door, "Don't have my key! Don't have my key!" She moaned, as Robert gently nudged her aside to get at the lock. He finally got the lock undone, despite Sascha's interference. Sascha shoved the door open and took off running down the corridor leading to the staircase to their apartment. She raced by Mr. Charles who was approaching the door to investigate the pounding on the door.

"What in heaven's name is going on? Are you fighting?" He asked.

"Not that I know of. Sascha's been extremely agitated for the last half-hour or so. Mr. Charles, I need to go check on her. Please keep everyone down here for now."

"I will, sir. I hope the princess is okay."

CHAPTER 43

"I do too. Thank you Mr. Charles."

Robert jogged up the stairs. He stopped dead in his tracks at the top; he stared at the blouse and bra laying in the hall where Sascha had discarded them. Torn off buttons littered the carpet. He hurried to the bedroom where he found Sascha on the floor. "Are you okay Sweetheart?"

"I'm fine!" She snapped, gasping for breath. "I just tripped trying to get these darn pants off. Help me." She ordered.

Robert kneeled; tugged at the legs of her pants and found she still had her hiking shoes on. He didn't say anything; he just untied the boots and slid them off and then pulled off the pants. He started to fold her pants, "Don't worry about that... please," Sascha begged. Robert turned to find her lying on their bed, hips hiked up, slithering out of her panties.

She tossed the panties carelessly across the room. At the same time, she lifted her knees and spread her legs; she held out her arms to her husband, "Please Robert, hurry, I need you." She pleaded. Nude, her appearance surprised Robert even more. Her entire body was flushed red. Her breasts seemed inflated and upright; her nipples engorged to the size of Robert's first finger joint; her labia and clitoris equally swollen and bright red.

Robert began undressing, Sascha didn't wait, she shot forward, grabbed Robert and pulled him to her. "Now!" She grabbed his still-forming erection and placed it at the entrance of her vagina. He slid in deeply. Sascha groaned and began thrusting herself against him violently. Robert did his best to match Sascha's frantic rhythm but couldn't. He resigned himself and let Sascha do as she wanted. Supporting himself on one elbow, Robert ran his arm under Sascha's head and loosened her knee-length hair. He leaned in and kissed Sascha viciously. He jammed his tongue as deep as he could--daring the panting Sascha to fight him. She answered by sinking her fingernails into his ass and pulling him even harder and deeper into her.

Finally, Robert broke the fiery kiss--long enough to catch his breath. He immediately leaned down and sucked one of Sascha's hugely distended nipples between his lips and lashed at it with his tongue. Sascha arched her body off the bed, "Cumming! Cumming!" She gasped. Robert groaned with pleasure and flooded her with his seed. They collapsed on the bed.

"Oh God! Thank you, Thank you. I feel so much better." Sascha whispered. "I'm sorry for being so... so..."

"Demanding?" Robert smiled and kissed her again... softly this time.

"Yeah that." Sascha shuddered violently as Robert kissed her left nipple and began to roll off her. "Ahh! Cumming again!" She moaned, "Just the kiss on my nipple tipped me over the edge."

After several deep breaths, Sascha regained a bit of control. She gathered her hair and pushed it to the side away from where Robert lay. Sascha glanced down, "Hey! You're still hard. Excellent!" She quickly rolled over and mounted him. Sinking down with a loud sigh. She immediately began undulating her hips, forcing her super-sensitive clit against him. "So good, so good, so good." She chanted as she rode her husband.

Sascha was sweating profusely, Robert leaned up a bit and licked a salty drop from her still-swollen left nipple. Sascha grunted and climaxed again, drawing Robert's orgasm at the same time. When she stopped shaking, Sascha sagged onto Robert and was asleep within seconds, using her arm and Robert's chest as a pillow.

After 20 minutes as a mattress and listening to Sascha's deep, slow breathing, Robert tried to rouse her... but she stayed asleep. He wrapped his arms around her and slowly rolled over. He slipped out of her and got off the bed. "God, what a mess we made." Robert shook his head in wonder as he untangled the comforter and spread it over Sascha. He noticed that her sprawled body had lost its red flush, and her nipples and genitals had returned to their normal size and color.

"Mon Dieu. Ca c'était quoi." He muttered. He strolled to the bathroom and showered. He peeked into the bedroom. Sascha still slept, so he wet a washcloth with warm water and grabbed a towel. Back in the bedroom, Robert climbed up onto the bed so that he could clean Sascha a bit.

As soon as the cloth touched her, she jerked away, "No!" She grunted harshly. Her legs slammed together, and she rolled to her right and curled up into a tight ball.

"Sascha?" Robert whispered. She started to snore. Robert shook his head, dropped the cloth and towel onto the floor, and crawled under the comforter beside her. Unfortunately, he couldn't fall asleep; he watched his wife. After a while Sascha rolled to her back again, but still slept soundly.

As midnight approached Robert started to doze; he jerked awake when Sascha started mumbling unintelligibly. Robert thought he heard her say 'yes' several times--smiling as she said it. After the last 'yes' Sascha's body spasmed and she shot up to a sitting position--eyes wide open. "Oh!" She exclaimed as she clasped her hands on her abdomen. She sat for a moment, staring at nothing, murmured "thank you", then fell back onto her pillow and immediately began snoring.

Robert simply lay on the bed and kept watch on the unmoving Sascha. He finally slept at 3 a. m. He woke up when the morning sun streamed into his eyes. He blinked a couple times, Sascha lay about three inches from him, her eyes wide open, smiling brightly. "Well, look who's awake. Good morning."

"Good morning. How are you? Do you feel okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine. Why shouldn't I be?"

"Well, the way you acted last night..."

"What do you mean? We got home from hiking; I was tired; I went to sleep. What's so strange about that?"

"You don't remember?"

"What's to remember?"

"I guess for starters, your blouse--with all the buttons torn off--and your bra are laying on the floor out in the hall where you threw them.

"You ripped the buttons off my blouse?

"No Baby, you did it yourself."

"No way!" She reached down and scratched her labia, "Eww! Sticky! Did we make love?"

"We had sex. Several times. You were barely in control--very demanding. After our fourth time you simply fell asleep. When I tried to clean you a little, you rolled away from me."

"Four times? But I feel great... after four I should be... ah... unable to move."

"I know. That's why I asked if you feel okay."

"Honest, never better. I think I'll go shower and clean up."

A half-hour later, Sascha strolled back into the bedroom, her body draped in a towel and trying to get her hair into its wrap. "There's too much hair for one wrap. I need to rethink this. Do you think there is such a thing as an extra-large one of these?"

"Come over here. I'll comb it for you... then let it air dry for now. We can ask Agatha and Birgit if they have any ideas. Is your wrap microfiber?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I think we can probably find a full-size towel, made of the same material. You might check online. Or... I bet they'd have something at that outdoor outfitter we went to for your boots. Something light and fast drying would be perfect for a backpack."

"I'm caught up studying... can we go today?"

"Breakfast first?"

"Oh... if you insist." Sascha laughed.

By the time the end of May rolled around and Sascha had finished her finals, she was ready for a break. She was tired. For the last week her energy had flagged. "Sascha! Your appointment's in an hour. Are you ready?" Robert yelled from his office.

"Almost." She called back. "Just dressing nice and girly--make Dr. Lawrence happy. She's never seen me in a dress." For fun, she decided to wear her little black dress and black heels along with lacy black panties, bra, and stay-up stockings. She decided not to hide her hair; she gathered the sides enough to keep it out of her face and secured it with one of the large-toothed spring-loaded clips with a butterfly design that she'd found in Stephanie's dresser. She finished with her diamond earrings and diamond necklace.

"Okay, I'm ready when... Wow! You look beautiful." Robert stopped at the door to Sascha's study. "What's the special occasion?"

"Well, you see..." Sascha teased, "There's this guy. He's kind of cute. I've been trying to get his attention..."

"I see. You know, don't you, I'll have to have him eliminated."

"Oh! Well, I don't think that will be necessary." She grinned at Robert, "My, my! Aren't you the jealous one? That's so cute." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. Robert slipped his hand behind her and pulled her to him. After a long kiss, Sascha unhappily forced herself to step back, fanning her warm face, "I think we'd better get going." She sighed.

"Yes. If we don't leave now... we might not leave." They left their apartment, strolled down the stairs into the "public area", and then took the elevator down to the parking garage.

Phillipe waited for them with the doors open. "We're not taking the sports car?" Sascha asked.

"I thought we'd go out for a nice dinner after your appointment. You're over 21 now; I thought we might have some wine, and I don't want to drive."

"I tried wine--once--didn't care for it."

"I don't drink it a lot. But every once in a while, I enjoy a glass or two with my dinner. I'll tell you what--at the restaurant we'll ask the sommelier to recommend a wine for people who don't like wine. Are you willing to give it a try?"

"Sure. Sounds interesting."

"By the way, when was it you tried wine? Didn't you just reach legal drinking age? Hmm?"

"Well, you remember our 18th birthday party? The night you delivered the MIT letter?"

Robert nodded and kissed Sascha's fingers, "A wonderful evening..."

"Anyway, after everyone left, I went to the living room and sat on the sofa with my mom. She had a glass of wine and offered me a sip. I thought it was pretty nasty. That's been my only experience with the stuff."

"I see. If that was the same wine your parents gave me when we visited them, I'd have to agree with you; it was pretty nasty. But they seemed to like it, and I didn't want to say anything that might offend them. They were mad enough at me already."

"Your Highnesses, we've arrived at Dr. Lawrence's." Phillipe interrupted politely.

"Thank you. Go ahead and park. We'll call when we're ready to be picked up."

"Very good, Your Highness." Phillipe jogged around the car and opened the door. Robert got out first and extended his hand to Sascha and assisted her out of the car.

Sascha took two steps and stopped. She turned her head left and right, sniffing the air, "What is that smell? Oh God!" She bent over and vomited on the sidewalk. Robert stood frozen, not sure what to do. Pedestrians continued walking, staring balefully at her, and carefully stepping around Sascha's mess.

"God, this is so embarrassing," Sascha murmured as she stood up. Robert handed her his handkerchief, "Let's go inside. You can use the ladies' room to rinse your mouth."

Sascha went in. She looked over her shoulder and found Robert watching her, "I feel fine now. Honest. Just that smell got to me. I'll be right out." The door closed silently behind her.

He looked around the lobby, saw a directory, and wandered over, wondering what else was in the building. Every name on the board seemed to end with M. D., PhD., EdD., or DMD. He didn't know why, but he couldn't help but laugh when he thought of how much student debt had been accumulated while earning all those letters.

Sascha stepped out of the rest room. Her color was back, and she looked steady. She walked over to Robert, "I feel fine now; but my mouth tastes like a sewer. I don't suppose you have a toothbrush and toothpaste in your pocket?"

"Sorry Sweetheart, no, we... wait, I have an idea." He led her over to the directory again, glanced at it, "Suite 314, got it," They walked to the nearest elevator bank. "Be careful getting into the elevator." Robert joked. Sascha slapped his arm... but didn't let go of his hand.

"Where are we going?" Sascha asked as the elevator stopped and the doors hissed open.

"This is a medical building. C'mon, over there." He pointed.

They passed into the office suite, "Can I help you. Do you have an appointment?" Asked a youngish receptionist.

"I'm sorry, no." Robert answered. "But I was wondering... my wife just had a... um... a um..."

"I just puked out on the sidewalk." Sascha interrupted.

"Yes. That." Robert continued, "And I wondered if you might have any toothbrush and toothpaste samples. I'd be happy to pay for them."

"Give me one second; I'll be right back." The receptionist answered and walked through a door behind her.

Sascha squeezed Robert's hand, "A dentist's office?" She shook her head, "I never would have thought of that."

Robert was shrugging his shoulders as the receptionist stepped back into her space. She reached across her counter and handed a tiny tube of toothpaste and a new toothbrush. "There's a bathroom just over there. Feel free to go in and freshen up. I hope you feel better."

"Thanks." Sascha headed for the bathroom.

When she came out of the bathroom she was laughing. "Look at this." She ordered and handed the toothbrush to Robert.

"Okay? It says, 'Dr. Stanley Kaymer', what's so funny? It's just advertising."

"Look at the other side."

He turned it over... and immediately laughed. The toothbrush handle read 'Brush With The Fuzzy End'. "Words to live by," Sascha giggled as they left Dr. Kaymer's suite and started for the elevator up to Dr. Lawrence's suite.

"Are we late?" Robert asked as the elevator moved up.

Sascha looked at her phone, "Nope. We still have a few minutes. Dr. Lawrence always gives me the last appointment of the day. We like to chat. This way we don't screw up her schedule."

Dr. Lawrence was ready as soon as they walked in. "Sascha! Robert! It's so good to see you. My God! Sascha, your hair! May I touch it?" She moved close as Sascha nodded. The Dr. ran her fingers through Sascha's mane, "Nice and soft; and so thick!" She lifted the hair to see it more closely, she sniffed, "Sascha? Have you been vomiting. Don't lie, I can smell it."

Sascha nodded and explained her reaction to the smells on the street. "Honest, I feel fine now. Just that smell got to me."

"Have you ever had scent sensitivity before?"

"Not that I can think of... No."

"Well, let's go back and do your blood work and exam. Robert? We'll be out in a little bit."

In the exam room, Sascha stripped and donned the gown. A nurse came in, took her weight, checked blood pressure, temperature, did a finger stick for sugar and cholesterol, finally she hooked Sascha up to electrodes and did an EKG.

As soon as the nurse left Dr. Lawrence entered with a lab tech. He checked Sascha's veins, popped in a needle, and quickly drew three vials of blood. "Is that it?" Sascha asked in surprise. The tech nodded, "Wow, you're good. I barely felt that. Dr. Lawrence you should keep this guy around." Everyone laughed as the tech took off with her blood.

"So Sascha..." Dr. Lawrence said as soon as the tech was gone, "Talk to me. How are you doing?"

"Pretty good. My new... ah... plumbing... is great." She blushed, "Sex is fantastic. I can't begin to describe how wonderful I feel when... well you know." She grinned as Dr. Lawrence patted her hand.

"I know exactly. Besides that, how are you feeling?"

"Honestly, kind of tired. I've been busting my ass with school; studying, researching, and writing 'til the wee hours every night. Plus, a couple evenings a week we have diplomatic responsibilities. Robert is great; every night while I'm studying, he brings me milk and cookies."

"I noticed you've gained three pounds... cookies and milk?"

"Yeah. Lately I've been taking more breaks for exercise. I've gotten a bit out of shape; my gut muscles have been really sore the last month or so."

"You've been through a lot in the last couple years. Definitely keep up the exercise. May I suggest easing off the cookies?"

"But that's my favorite part of the d... okay. I understand." Sascha sighed dramatically.

"Weight gain is one of the things some trans women have trouble with. Just keep paying attention to it, weigh yourself regularly, and you'll be fine. You're strong. So? Any other issues? Wait a minute; I meant to ask how in the world did you get your hair so long, so quickly?"

"It just started growing really fast," Sascha answered, 'it's sort of the truth' she rationalized to herself.

"I see. I'm going to order a few additional tests on your blood--checking hormone and vitamin levels. One never knows. I'll call you if there's anything we need to discuss. You'll do the same right. You can call me anytime. So--I'll see you in six months." They stood and shook hands. "I'll walk you out. I'm all done for the day." They went out to the waiting area. Robert rose from his chair and put his phone away, "Good afternoon, Robert, how are you?"

"Fine Doctor, fine. It's so nice to see you again. How is Sascha doing?"

"She is just fine, Robert." She winked at Sascha, "But she has gained a bit of weight, she needs to lay off the cookies."

"Oh dear..."

"And don't let her guilt trip you, understand? Also, keep up the exercise."

"I understand. Thanks Doctor. Ready Sweetheart?"

"I don't know. Life without cookies... is it even worth living?" She sighed and lifted a hand to her forehead. She dropped the hand, leaned up and kissed Robert; felt the solid muscles in his back. She looked at Dr. Lawrence, "Yup! It sure is. Bye!"

They strolled hand-in-hand out of the doctor's office. Robert used his free hand to call Phillipe and let him know they were ready to be picked up. Downstairs they waited inside the foyer until Phillipe pulled up and had the door open. Sascha rushed to the car. Fearing a repeat, she held her breath all the way across the sidewalk until she was safely inside the car and Phillipe slammed the door shut.

She took a deep breath and sighed with relief when she didn't smell anything; or rather, the things she smelled didn't bother her. "Sascha, do you feel well enough to still go out to dinner?"

"Absolutely. Let's go. Ah... where are we going?"

"There's this nice seafood place that a lot of the consulate staff have recommended. I thought we'd try that."

"Yeah! I like seafood."

It was dark when they arrived at 'The Fish Dish'. "Not much of a name," Sascha commented as Phillipe held the car door. Fortunately, the name didn't reflect the interior. It was sophisticated, it was lit just enough to be comfortable. Richly furnished in leather and dark woods; decorated with tasteful artwork relating to the sea. "Devereaux. Table for two." Robert said to the greeter.

"Ah yes, Your Highness, your consulate called, your table is this way. At the word 'Highness', Sascha noted that several diners turned to look. She saw one woman whispering and pointing towards them... Sascha pretended not to notice.

As they moved toward the back of the room, she heard a familiar voice ring out, "Prince Edwin... Princess Sascha... fancy meeting you here." It was Professor Jellison and, Sascha assumed, Mrs. Jellison.

The professor stood and shook hands with both of them, "Princess Sascha? You have time for a night out with your husband? I must not be working you hard enough. Shame on me."

Sascha laughed, "Trust me, sir, this is the first time in two weeks I'll have a meal away from my desk. And if I may say so, without sounding too snotty, I don't think there's anything you can throw at me that I can't handle."

"Aaah, a challenge?" The professor laughed happily and turned to his wife, "Darling, now you see why I love this young lady?"

The woman stood up and offered Sascha her hand, "Hi, I'm Madelaine Jellison. My husband has told me all about you."

"Not All Sascha; only the good things. I didn't mention that you referred to the Petterhof Model in a paper."

"Petterhof!" Madelaine Jellison erupted, "Bah! The man is an idiot!" Sascha thought Mrs. Jellison was going to spit.

Sascha laughed, Professor Jellison took his wife's hand, "Relax darling. Sascha just mentioned him as a joke to test whether I was paying attention."

"He is a joke!" Madelaine Jellison muttered, "I don't know how that man graduated high school... never mind college or grad school."

"You'll have to excuse Madelaine... She had an unfortunate run in with Petterhof during her PhD dissertation defense. Because her findings contradicted much of his work, he tried desperately--and unsuccessfully I might add--to impugn the quality of Maddie's work. It was quite... enjoyable... watching her refute the man's arguments and put the idiot in his place."

Sascha grinned at the professor. "I hope you and I never disagree to that extent."

"As do I. But it would be a marvelous debate, wouldn't it? Now, I'll leave you to your dinner. It was good to see you, Robert. Sascha, I'll see you for your finals. I can't wait to read your thesis--I'm saving it for last."

"And you Professor." Everyone shook hands before Robert and Sascha finally walked to the table where the greeter waited for them.

"I apologize for the delay," Robert said.

"It's no problem, sir. Would either of you care for a cocktail before dinner?"

"No thanks, but we would like to speak with your wine steward when they have a moment."

"Very good sir, madame. Your server will be with you shortly."

The server arrived within seconds, bearing the menus. "Good evening, I'm Charlotte. Carlo told me that you've asked to see the wine steward, she'll be out in just a moment. In the meantime, Miss, may I see some ID please. I have to ensure that you're over 21."

Sascha dug through her clutch and found her wallet. She proudly handed her ID to Charlotte. "See? I'm legal." Sascha laughed as she watched Charlotte counting on her fingers. She took back her license and stowed it back in her wallet.

"Thank you. I'll let Carlo and Zoe, the steward, know that I've checked your ID. I'll give you a few minutes to examine the menu."

Sascha glanced at the menu, "Check this out, they have Calamari. Can we have that? Please!"

"Of course, anything you want, Sweetheart."

Sascha returned to reading the menu. "I think I'll have the sea bass with lobster ravioli."

"Mmm, sounds good. I was thinking of the same thing." Robert answered. He nodded to Charlotte who waited a discreet distance across the room.

"You're ready?" She asked--her e-tablet at the ready.

"We are," Robert answered. "We'd like to start with green salads with oil and vinegar; for appetizers we'd like one order of stuffed clams and one order of calamari Milano..."

"Very good..."

"And for the mains we'd both like the pan seared sea bass with lobster ravioli."

"Excellent. I'll get your order to the kitchen immediately."

As Charlotte left, Zoe, the wine steward, approached, "Good evening, folks. Carlo says you'd like to speak with me?"

"Ah yes." Robert smiled at her, "We're celebrating, belatedly, my wife's birthday. Can you recommend a really nice wine compatible with our sea bass for someone who does not like wine.

"I understand." Zoe leaned down to Sascha, "Charlotte says she checked your ID. Are you really 22?"

"Honest, I am. My driver's license is real. As is my Douravian passport."

"I understand." She turned to Robert, "Sir, as to the wine, I would recommend our 2017 Wagner Riesling. It's an Ice Wine--a classic white with strong apple notes, with an additional pop of honey treacle." Sascha looked at Robert and rolled her eyes. Zoe didn't notice and kept up her recital, "... It is a sweet wine that doesn't have much of an alcoholic tang. It's very nice for those who don't like wine."

"Fine. We'll try that." Robert answered, "Thank you. Sorry, would you hold that and serve it with our dinner?"

"Of course, sir."

Sascha and Robert sat and talked for almost 10 minutes before Charlotte returned with their green salads and a bottle of sparkling water.

They'd barely finished their salads when Charlotte returned again with the appetizers. Sascha thought the calamari was even more delicious than the dish she'd tried on their first date; she had to stop herself from growling at Robert when he asked if he could sample a bit. But in return Robert did allow Sascha to sample the stuffed clams--Sascha preferred the calamari.

Zoe arrived with the wine, removed the bottle from a cooling bucket of ice, and presented it to Robert with a practiced flourish. Robert examined the label and nodded. Zoe removed the bottle's cork and sniffed it. She smiled at Sascha and Robert and presented the cork to Robert.

Robert sniffed the cork, "Smells very nice." He said. Zoe poured a small drop, tasted it with approval, and finally poured a small bit for Robert. He sipped, left the wine in his mouth for a couple seconds before swallowing. He smiled at Zoe, "Excellent." She served Robert, then Sascha.

"Thank you." Sascha said, she didn't want anyone watching when she tried it.

"I hope you enjoy it... Your Highnesses." Zoe smiled at Sascha's surprised look, "Your consulate alerted us when they made your reservation. If there's anything else, please let me know." She left them.

"Ready Sascha?" Robert lifted his glass, "Swirl it around the glass just a bit. Trust me, it works. Good. Now take just a small sip and then let it rest in your mouth. Swallow when you feel like it."

Sascha smiled, "Wow! It is sweet. And so much nicer than the stuff I tried at home. Wait!" Sascha stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, "I get it! I can taste the apples like Zoe mentioned. I think I like it."

Robert reached out with his glass and touched it to Sascha's, "To Us."

"To us," Sascha replied, using her left hand to hold Robert's. She took another small sip and saw Charlotte approaching with their sea bass. "Here comes our dinner."

Sascha finished her dinner and wine at the same time. She declined a second glass--opting instead for more sparkling water. They both declined dessert; but sat talking some more while Robert enjoyed a second glass of the Riesling.

"Are you sure you don't want a little more wine?" Robert asked.

"Nope. I'm good. It's nice, I'm glad we found it; but it's not something I want a lot of at any one time. One glass was plenty." She stared over Robert's shoulder.

"What are you looking at?" Robert turned around to see what was behind him.

"I was admiring that painting behind you. There's just something about that sailing ship, riding on the wild seas, and illuminated by that single shaft of sunlight. I just like it. It's almost as if the light is coming to relieve the loneliness of life at sea. Does that sound silly?" Robert shook his head no. "Thanks Hon, I need to use the ladies' room before we leave. I'll be right back."

Sascha found her way to the facilities. She felt a little uncomfortable when she noticed quite a few people watching her. She finished peeing, washed her hands and checked herself in the mirror. She reapplied her lipstick--she'd recently discarded what she thought of as 'little girl pink' and now used a darker shade called 'Audacious Red'. She hoped it made her look a little more mature and also helped show off her blue eyes. She pulled off the hair clip, combed her hair as best she could and gathered it back up in the clip. She slipped out of the room and returned to find Robert sliding his chair away from the table.

Zoe returned, "Here you go, Your Highness. The bottle is recorked and sealed in the bag so its okay to carry in your car."

"Thanks Zoe." He slipped the palmed $20 bill into her hand. "Ready Sweetheart?"

Sascha nodded. Robert helped her with her coat and then called Phillipe and let him know they were ready. In less than 10 minutes they were settled in the limo's back seat and on their way to their apartment.

Philippe let them out at the building's main entrance. Once they were safely inside he departed to return the limo to the consulate garage.

Sascha and Robert got into the elevator and passed the security team without incident. They continued down the corridor to the ornate double doors Sascha had come to admire so much. Robert held the door for her. Mr. Charles was inside waiting. "Good evening, Your Highnesses. I trust you had a nice dinner?"

"Thank you Mr. Charles, we did." Sascha answered. "I hope you've had a quiet time."

"I have--except for the telephone. Your Dr. Lawrence has called five times asking for you. You may want to check your phone?"

"Did she say why?"

"No Princess just that she needed to speak with you."

"Thank you. I'll take care of it." Sascha began toward the stairs. Robert stared at Mr. Charles, who just shrugged and shook his head, "Honest Sir, Dr. Lawrence didn't say."

"Thanks."

CHAPTER 44

Sascha got upstairs to her office before she pulled her phone out and powered it up. She'd been adamant their dinner would not be disturbed. She saw she had only two messages. The first was Dr. Lawrence's receptionist requesting that she call. The second was Dr. Lawrence herself:

"Sascha, this is Dr. Lawrence. Sorry to bother you at home. Our lab had a serious glitch in their equipment this afternoon and returned some patently absurd results on your bloodwork. Would you call my private number as soon as you get this message. Call any time. Thank you."

Sascha sat frozen, on the verge of panic. Doctors just don't call patients at home for no reason. Is something wrong she doesn't want to discuss on the phone? Jesus! What if it's something serious? She was pretty worked up by the time Robert got upstairs and found her pacing with her phone to her ear, "Dr. Lawrence? It's Sascha Devereaux returning your call. Sorry I had my phone off at dinner." She paused for a few seconds, "Uh huh. Uh huh. Okay. Eight tomorrow morning? We'll be there. You're sure? Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Dr. Lawrence, wait. At dinner tonight I drank a glass of wine with dinner. Will that affect the bloodwork? No? Okay. See you in the morning."

Sascha flopped into her desk chair and stared up at her ceiling, "Sweetheart, is everything okay?" Robert asked from the door.

"Yeah. I think. I don't know." She shrugged and tossed her phone onto the desk. "Dr. Lawrence said that their lab equipment screwed up my bloodwork. She wants me to go back tomorrow morning and have it redone."

"I heard... eight?"

"Yeah."

"Ready for bed? It's getting late."

"No. I'm going to study for a bit. Give myself time to digest dinner."

"Then I'll leave you to your work." He leaned over and kissed Sascha's cheek. Sascha grabbed him around the neck and returned the kiss. She didn't want to release him; but she did break the kiss for a second, "You taste like wine," She pulled Robert back for a few more seconds before releasing him. She leaned back in her chair, promptly banging the hairclip on the headrest and jamming it into her scalp, "Ouch, darn it."

She pulled off the clip, grabbed a scrunchie, and wrapped up enough hair to keep it out of her eyes while she worked.

She studied until just after midnight; showered; crawled into bed. "Goodnight Hon," She whispered to her sleeping husband. He mumbled something Sascha didn't understand as she pressed herself against his back and fell asleep.

At 6:30, if Sascha owned a gun, she'd have gladly shot the alarm clock. As she groaned and tried to crawl out of the bed, Robert came out of the bathroom, hair still damp and messy, a towel wrapped around his waist. He looked relaxed and well rested. Sascha sat on the bed, staring at his lean, sculpted body and devastatingly handsome face. She wanted, desperately, to forget Dr. Lawrence, and pull Robert onto the bed for some serious husband and wife time.

"Come on Sascha, time to get moving," Robert broke her reverie. She sighed, slid off the bed, and went into the bath to wash herself.

Robert drove his personal car; it was a beautiful, warm late-spring morning so Robert lowered the convertible top. Sascha loved the sensation of the air flowing around her. "Robert? When we finish with the doctor, can we just drive like this? This is wonderful. She lifted her arms, letting the wind fly around them. Several of their fellow early morning commuters beeped their horns and waved to Sascha as she played with the wind.

They walked into Dr. Lawrence's waiting area just a couple minutes early. "Hello Sascha. Thanks for coming back, I'm so sorry to have to bother you like this."

"It's okay. I got to ride in Robert's car with the top down--it was glorious."

"A convertible?"

"Yeah. Now I know what kind of car I want to drive when I grow up."

An hour later Dr. Lawrence called Robert and Sascha into her office. "Sascha, Robert we've rerun your tests on two different test sets. The results just aren't possible. If you have a little time I'd like to take you down to our ultrasound department just to verify my conclusions." She saw the fear on the faces of the young couple. "Please. Relax."

"We have all the time you need, doctor." Robert spoke for them, he took Sascha's hand, "Show us where to go." Dr. Lawrence stood and led them out. She stopped at the front desk, "Sheila, would you cancel all my appointments for the rest of the morning? I'm going to be busy. Call ultrasound, book Mrs. Devereaux for a full abdominal scan."

Sascha's heart clutched. But she and Robert followed the doctor to the elevator and went up two floors to the ultrasound department. As they rode, Dr. Lawrence asked, "You've had ultrasounds before, correct?"

"Right. Leading up to my gender surgery Dr. Aronofsky ordered a full scan, plus an MRI, to make sure everything was where it should be."

"Excellent, I'll want to see those."

They arrived at the office. A tech met them and handed Sascha a two-liter container of fluid. "Drink all this, please. We'll be ready for you in just a little bit. Dr. Lawrence, Dr. Hollis asked if you'd join him." They left Sascha and Robert in the waiting area. Sascha was scared but drank the fluid. Robert was just scared.

Sascha finished the bottle and waited. Like her first ultrasound, Sascha felt close to bursting when the tech invited her back to the scan area. She stripped down to her panties and put on the offered gown.

"Cripes! That's cold." She muttered as they spread the conducting gel on her abdomen. While the tech manipulated the probe, Drs. Lawrence and Hollis stood examining the display screen. "Right there. Print that." Dr. Hollis ordered. "You see that, Jess? Print that too. Move the probe down two inches; that's good. See? Print that. Good." Dr. Hollis stood up and stretched his arms.

"No doubt about it Jess, your lab tests hit the mark. Extraordinary. Keep me posted, would you?" He walked out as the tech returned and handed the printouts to Dr. Lawrence.

"Dr. Lawrence, I'm sorry, but WHAT the hell is going on? What's wrong with me?" The tech was wiping down Sascha's belly of all the gunk.

"Sascha why don't you get dressed. We'll get Robert and go up to my office and talk."

"Doctor..." Sascha began, but Dr. Lawrence was out the door before she could finish. Sascha threw on her bra, blouse, skirt, and heels. She practically ran from the exam room and found Robert and Dr. Lawrence waiting for her. The doctor immediately left the ultrasound suite. Instead of the elevator, she took the stairs to go up the two floors.

On her own floor, Dr. Lawrence strode quickly toward her office; Robert and Sascha trailed in her wake. By the time they got to the office, Dr. Lawrence had pulled three chairs into a small circle. "Robert, Sascha, why don't you sit down... we need to talk."

She held out one of the ultrasound prints, "Sascha, this was today's scan, see this light area right here?"

Sascha gasped, "Oh my God! A tumor? I have cancer? Am I going to die?" Sascha's nails left a bloody furrow on Robert's arm.

Dr. Lawrence snorted, tried not to laugh, "Sascha, Dear, it is not a tumor; it is not cancer; and you most certainly are not going to die.

"So, what..." Robert began.

"Sascha," Dr. Lawrence said with a smile, "This is a fetus."

"Huh?"

"Sascha, Darling, you're pregnant." Dr. Lawrence finished.

Sascha's hands fell to her side, her eyes rolled up, and for the second time in his life Robert had to catch Sascha as she fainted. As Robert cradled his wife, rubbing her hands and face in turn, he looked at Dr. Lawrence, "But how?"

"No idea. This is definitely a first. Honestly, if Sascha had seen any doctors besides myself and Melissa, I'd suspect she was a misdiagnosed hermaphrodite rather than transgender. But we know that Melissa did a full pre-op abdominal scan and there was no indication of female reproductive organs.

Sascha began to stir. Blinking her eyes, she stared at Robert, "Honey, I just had the weirdest dream..." She lifted herself away from Robert; spotted Dr. Lawrence.

She looked back and forth, "Robert?"

Robert took a deep breath, "Sascha, Sweetheart, it wasn't a dream. We're going to have a baby." Sascha started to waiver again.

"Sascha!" Dr. Lawrence snapped, "Don't you dare faint. We have to talk."

"I need the bathroom." Sascha hurried from the room. She considered throwing up, but settled for getting rid of the ultrasound water. She checked the mirror--she was pale as a ghost.

When she returned to the office she saw one of Dr. Lawrence's nurses wiping the bloody tracks on Robert's right arm. "Just keep it clean, you won't need any bandages." The nurse looked at Sascha, "You have very sharp nails."

"I'm so sorry Robert. I didn't mean..."

"Shh. You didn't do it on purpose. You had quite a shock." They looked at Dr. Lawrence, not quite sure what to do.

"So?" Dr. Lawrence smiled, "What's new. Anything you'd like to talk about?"

"Are you kidding? Of course you are." Sascha gave a crooked grin. "Wow. I don't know where to start. I've prayed repeatedly to be a mother... I never really expected such an in your face answer. Robert, Honey, are you okay with this."

"Never happier. So... Dr. Lawrence?"

"You two are starting on an unprecedented path. I certainly can't explain how this happened. Obviously you'll need to see immediately a top-notch OB/GYN. I would expect that given the uniqueness of your situation, that you are going to draw considerable medical interest. So, tell me, do you have any ideas that could explain how you managed to conceive?"

Without thought, Sascha began denying, but stopped when Robert touched her arm, "Doctor? Sascha and I need about 15 minutes privacy. May we use an exam room?" The doctor nodded and pointed them to an unused room.

Robert shut the door and grabbed Sascha in a fierce hug, "God, I love you. You are remarkable."

"Robert, ever since I met you, I've fantasized of having your baby. If this is real... I'm so scared. I can only imagine two ways this happened, each more unlikely than the other."

"That rose?" Robert suggested.

"Yeah, David and Jamie said it 'grants' one's deepest desires... well... motherhood is my deepest wish. So..."

"The other possibility?"

"I prayed for a child..."

"You're talking about religion? A miracle? Archbishop Garces is going to go nuts."

Sascha shrugged. "We need to call David and Jamie. Let them know what's about to happen." She opened her phone and dialed Jamie Blevins' private number.

"Hello?"

"Hi Jamie, this is Sascha Devereaux calling; I need to speak with you and David."

"No problem. Are you okay? Has something happened?"

"Yeah. I wanted to give you guys a heads up. Um... We just found out... Jamie I'm pregnant."

"Seriously?!" Jamie squealed, "David! Get over here. Sascha's on the phone."

Sascha repeated the news to David. When David asked about unusual events Sascha couldn't remember anything; she asked Robert. Robert took the phone and related the wild night. David answered that he and Kate had experienced a near identical experience which led to her first pregnancy--and the second--and the third.

"I see." Robert replied, "David, we have to tell Sascha's doctors about this. I imagine the doctors will keep our confidences for now; but when Sascha starts to... grow... we won't be able to keep it secret."

"Robert. Thanks for calling. Jamie's on the other side of the room jumping up and down and punching the air. Let me add my congratulations to you and Sascha. Tell anyone you need to about the situation."

"Okay David. Thanks. Sascha and I need to go back to her doctor now. Bye." Robert disconnected the call.

"Okay Sascha, let's go tell Dr. Lawrence the whole story. Are you ready?"

"Let's go. It'll be a relief."

"You're serious?" Dr. Lawrence sat staring when Sascha finished telling the story of her encounter with the rose called 'Miracle'.

"Yes ma'am, what I told you is the absolute, complete, no-spin, and no BS truth." Sascha sat back, strangely relieved that the truth was out.

"May I have a name and phone number; stop frowning Sascha, I believe you, but I have a few questions for those rose people."

"Yes ma'am. Here." She pulled up Jamie's private info and passed the phone to the doctor.

"Thank you. I'll call them when we're done." She picked up her phone, "Sheila? Contact Dr. Smart, the OB/GYN up on six. I want Sascha to see him as soon as humanly possible. Ask him to call me so we can discuss the unusual details." She hung up.

"Okay, Sascha, this isn't my field of expertise, but while we're waiting for Sheila, I'd like to try something. Let's all go to the exam room." Robert and Sascha followed quietly. "Sascha go ahead and lay down, bare your abdomen.

Doctor Lawrence picked up her stethoscope and plugged it into her ears, "It's gonna be cold," She warned as she placed the bell on Sascha's abdomen. Sascha twitched despite the warning. She grinned.

The doctor moved the bell around a bit, "Ah!" She listened. "Robert?" She handed him the earpieces. He listened and nodded. Robert handed the earpieces to Sascha, "Listen to this Mon Ange."

"What is that?" Sascha asked Dr. Lawrence.

"Sascha, that's your baby's heartbeat." Sascha's tried to speak, but couldn't, her eyes went wide and tears flooded down her cheeks. She fell against Robert sobbing. Robert wrapped her in his arms and pulled her to him. He kissed his wife as his tears joined hers.

"Can I hear him again? Please?" Sascha asked as she wiped her eyes on her sleeve. The doctor replaced the bell and Sascha listened intently. She unconsciously nodded her head in time with the tiny thumping heart.

"Him?" Dr. Lawrence smiled at Sascha.

"That just slipped out. But I would dearly love to give Robert a son to carry on the Devereaux line. But healthy is most important."

Sascha felt a squeeze on her hand. She looked at Robert; his eyes still misted with tears.

The phone rang, Dr. Lawrence picked up, "Uh huh, Uh huh. Good. Thank you Sheila. Go ahead to lunch--we'll be a few more minutes. Oh, Sheila. Before lunch would you cancel my afternoon appointments; I want to be present for Sascha's first consult with Dr. Smart. Thanks."

"Dr. Smart has an opening at 1:30. If you'd like lunch, there's a small café down on the ground floor. If you don't mind, after you've eaten meet me here. I'd like to go up with you--at least for this first meeting."

As Robert and Sascha moved down to the ground floor, Sascha sent a text to Jamie, "Jamie: expect call from Dr. Jessica Lawrence. She's okay. Tell her anything. Sascha." They sat at a small table loaded with their sandwiches, chips, and water. Robert watched as his wife sat quietly, staring at her sandwich, but not moving.

"Sascha, is everything okay?"

"Huh? Oh yeah. Just thinking."

"I bet I can guess what you're thinking about," Robert joked as he popped a corn chip into his mouth.

"Yeah. Just sitting here, trying to reconcile myself to the sudden shock of my deepest wish becoming my new reality. I can't remember ever being this happy and yet so scared at the same time--even before my surgery I wasn't this bad."

Robert nodded, "I understand. Ever since I realized that I absolutely adored you, I'd accepted we could not have children. But here we are... we've both seen and heard the evidence that indeed, we can. Don't forget to eat your lunch... Mommy." He grinned as Sascha playfully swiped at him.

"Yes Daddy." Sascha teased back as she picked up her roast beef sandwich and bit into it. "Mmm. Good." She mumbled. "You know," She began after swallowing, "If this becomes public knowledge, our lives will be freaking insane." She took another bite.

"I know, I know. I think that, for the moment anyway, things will be okay. Your doctors will keep your confidence; however, when the baby starts to grow and your belly expands, that's when things will get interesting."

"Somehow, I don't think interesting covers it." She handed her bag of chips to Robert, "Would you open this for me? I can't get a grip on the edge." Robert struggled too, but finally tore the top off and handed the bag back--after keeping one chip for himself. Sascha swallowed a couple chips, "Hey Robert?"

"Yes?"

"When do you think we should notify the new grandparents--not to mention the rest of the family?"

"Immediately--if not sooner." He started laughing. "This is going to be so much fun."

Sascha couldn't help smiling. Robert reached over and snagged another of her chips. "Sascha I have one request?"

"Okay?"

"I want to listen when you call Stephanie." Sascha started laughing and choked on a bit of roast beef. Robert slid over and patted her on the back. Sascha finally stopped coughing and wiped the laughter tears off with her napkin.

"That's not fair!" She finally gasped. "What about when I call Carrie?"

"I think I'll leave the country when you make that call. Although, now that she and Katherine have found each other, I think I might be safe." Sascha slapped at his hand when he reached for another of her chips. He casually checked his watch, "It's 1:15, we'd better get moving." They cleaned up their table, dumped the trash and headed back upstairs.

Up on the 6th floor, the sign on the suite read, 'Dr. Darrell Smart, OB/GYN, Maternal and Fetal Medicine'. Robert held the door for Sascha and Dr. Lawrence. They didn't even have time to sit before the rear door opened and a nurse called them in. She insisted Sascha change into a gown; drew blood for sugar and cholesterol, took blood pressure. And told them the doctor would be in in a second. She was pretty close to correct.

The door had barely closed when a giant entered the room--even Robert had to look up.

"Hi, I'm Dr. Smart. Mrs. Devereaux? How are you?" His hands were soft as was his voice. "Hello Jess. So, what's the big mystery that you didn't want to discuss on the phone?"

"Thanks for seeing us Dare. I'm 99.999% certain that Sascha is pregnant."

"Congratulations. And...?"

"Dare... there is no reason that Sascha should be pregnant."

"I've heard that before. Nothing is imposs..."

"Dare, Darling, Sascha is transgender."

Dr. Smart masked the shock and doubt well, "I see. What leads you to conclude Mrs. Devereaux... why does that name sound familiar... is pregnant?"

"Three things. First here are the lab results that first concerned me. I thought they were corrupted or something, reran them and got the same results."

She handed him the lab printout. He glanced at them, furrowed his brow, "Yes. They would seem to indicate pregnancy, but I've seen false results from numbers like this before. What else do you have?"

"I ordered an ultrasound. Here are the pictures. Dr. Hollis confirmed."

"Hollis is excellent. Let me see." He slipped on a pair of glasses and held the photo close. "I see what you're talking about... could be a shadow... perhaps a cyst. What else do you have."

"Fetal heartbeat Dr. skeptical. Have a listen."

Doctor Smart pulled out his stethoscope and had Sascha recline on the exam table. "Okay. Let's have a listen young lady." He closed his eyes as he moved the bell around. Sascha didn't know about the baby, but her heart was pounding.

He shook his head, Sascha stopped breathing, "I'll be damned," He muttered and looked at Dr. Lawrence, "Jess, how is this possible?" Sascha's breath hissed out as the doctor leaned back.

"Sascha, Robert, why don't you start at the beginning?" Sascha started with the rose encounter, and described how her hair had grown overnight. Robert quietly described the wild sex and Sascha's response on March 21st--Sascha still didn't remember it. Sascha finished by relating her sore and aching belly for the year that they'd ascribed to exercise--but now they wondered. They finished with the walk up to Dr. Smart's exam room.

"Jess? Is there any possibility that Sascha had undiagnosed hermaphrodism?"

"No. Sascha's surgeon had a full ultrasound and MRI scan done before her gender confirmation surgery. There was no sign of female reproductive organs."

Dr. Smart held out his hand and helped Sascha sit up. He blew out a breath, "When I was a doctor in the army, my medical unit's unofficial motto was 'Always Expect the Unexpected'. I can honestly say this is the most astounding unexpected thing I've ever encountered. Congratulations, you are expecting... pun intended there." He reached over and shook Robert's hand and then Sascha's.

"Now. From what you told me about the suspected date of conception; what I see on the ultrasound; and hearing the baby's heartbeat, I'm going to estimate that you are between eight and nine weeks along. Normal gestation is 40 weeks. So, Mrs. Devereaux, you, your husband, and I are going to be seeing a lot of each other for the next 32 weeks or so."

"Now, let's state the obvious," he continued. "Your pregnancy is unprecedented and everything we do will be for the first time. I'd like to see you back here in one week. I'm going to need time to do some research, seek some advice from colleagues--relax Mrs. Devereaux, your name will not be mentioned. Also, this rose you mentioned, I'd like to speak to them."

"Here you go Dare, Sascha wrote the info for me. Ask for Jamie and David."

"Thanks Jess. Well, Sascha, May I call you Sascha?"

She nodded.

"Sascha do you have any questions?" He smiled.

"Only a million--maybe a few more than that."

"Go ahead, we have a few minutes."

"What's your best guess on the baby's due date?"

The doctor pulled out his tablet, did a few taps and a few swipes. Whistled tunelessly for a few seconds. "Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Devereaux, I estimate that your son should be making his appearance right around December 25th.

"Christmas?" Sascha turned to Robert, "Our 3rd anniversary!"

They hugged happily for a few seconds, suddenly Robert froze. He turned to Dr. Smart, "You said our son?"

"Oh yes. The bun in Sascha's oven is definitely male. Congratulations." He pulled out one of the ultrasound images, "See that little bit, right there?"

"Yes." Sascha squinted, trying to see.

"That's a well-endowed little boy."

"Oh. Ohhhh!" Sascha finally understood what she was looking at. "Having had one of those for 19 years, you'd think I'd recognize it." Sascha laughed. "Honey, look." She grabbed the image and shoved it in front of Robert, "See! Right there."

"I see it." Robert stared at the image, Sascha, the image again. He grabbed Sascha and kissed her, "We're going to have a son?" He whispered. "Oh, thank you Sascha, thank you.""

Sascha had a sudden idea, "Doctor? One more question?"

"Certainly?"

"If we buy one of those at-home pregnancy tests, will it work for me?"

"I don't see why not. Your blood and urine are all part of the same system. But why...?"

"I'm just contemplating how to tell my parents..."

CHAPTER 45

Sascha suddenly went rigid, she pushed away from Robert, grabbed the exam room's trash can and vomited. Gasping for breath, she looked at the doctor, "I'm so sorry. That came on so suddenly." She gagged and vomited again. She fell back into a chair. "I'm sorry." She said again.

"Don't be. You're not the first 1st trimester mom to use that can... I'm sure you won't be the last." Dr. Smart smiled, handed her a cloth wipe, and patted her on the back. "I have another mom coming in a few minutes--she's ready to pop any time now. So... I'll see you next week?"

Sascha nodded as she dug into her purse. "Thank heaven, I saved the toothbrush and toothpaste from yesterday. Is it okay if I use this sink to brush?"

"That's fine. I'll leave your next appointment at the front desk. Stop by there on your way out." The doctor stopped and shook hands with everyone, "Jess. Nice to see you again." He left the room while Sascha rinsed, brushed, and rinsed again.

Sascha and Robert walked out of the medical building a few minutes later. Sascha laughed, stopped, and pointed. "Do you think anyone will put a brass plaque here, you know, 'On this spot on 21 May, XXXX, Princess Sascha of Douravia puked her guts out'."

Robert grabbed his princess and hugged her, "No Mon Ange. I don't think that will happen. Now, tell me why you need an at-home pregnancy test?"

"I was thinking that I'll take the test. Assuming that it works and has a positive result, I'll take a picture and send it to my mom, Stephanie... maybe Carrie. Then we'll see how long it takes to get a response."

"Sascha... that is... evil." Robert laughed, "But when you're done, let me send the picture to my mother and sisters. This is going to be so much fun." They walked for almost a full block when Robert suddenly stopped. He looked around and laughed.

"What is it?" Sascha asked.

"In all this excitement... we're walking... I forgot we brought the car!" Laughing and holding hands they turned around and returned to the garage under the medical building. They stopped in the ground floor pharmacy and purchased a couple pregnancy tests.

Back in the car, Robert put the top down again. Sascha pleaded with him to get out of Boston and just drive around for a while. They got on the expressway and headed south. Traffic was starting to build, but Robert navigated through it.

Sascha closed her eyes and once again flew her hands through the air currents. She had to repeatedly tuck her hair away to stop it from flying behind her. Actually, Sascha enjoyed the sensation of her hair streaming behind her; however, Robert kept staring at her hair and not concentrating on the road, so she tucked it in for their safety.

Sascha felt rather than saw that they were slowing, "Where are we?"

"South of Boston. On the coast. A town called Plymouth."

"Plymouth? Like the pilgrims?"

"That's it. Feel like walking around a little."

"Okay, it's a nice day. Wait... it's a freaking perfect day." She looked down at her still flat belly, "Hey! Little guy. Can you hear me?" She shrugged and looked back to Robert, "Nope. No answer." They pulled into a parking lot.

They paid for two hours of parking and crossed a street. They turned south and wandered hand-in-hand along the sea wall that overlooked Plymouth Harbor. They arrived at a large pier and found a colorful sailing ship moored there.

"What's that?" Sascha pointed at it.

"The Mayflower, I think."

The pilgrim ship? It's still around?"

"It's a replica."

"Ah. It's very colorful. Can we look at it up close?"

They decided not to enter the ship's museum, but did walk around on the pier. Sascha used her phone to snap a few pictures before they kept walking. They went off the sidewalk and crossed a grassy recreation area with a good-sized gazebo before coming to, Sascha thought, a Roman--maybe Greek--Temple. They looked over the edge and found a very plain stone. Sascha glanced at the sign, "This is Plymouth Rock? This is it? That's way underwhelming! Let's keep walking."

They crossed the street again and turned back to the north. A chilly breeze picked up off the ocean so they walked a bit faster. This side of the street was wall-to-wall kitschy souvenir shops. They entered a couple of the stores--more to get out of the sudden chill than to shop. In the third shop Sascha decided she wanted a sweatshirt: bright pink, with silver 'Plymouth, Mass' silk screened on the front. She donned it and modeled it for Robert.

"It's very... eye catching..." Was the best thing Robert could think of to say.

"Thank you." Sascha chose to ignore his lack of enthusiasm--she just was in the mood for something blindingly pink... and warm.

"Ready to head home?" Robert asked as they walked up the street.

"Yeah. I'm getting a little tired. I didn't sleep all that great last night. I... wait... look... is that an ice cream shop? Please? Can I have an ice cream cone? Please?"

"You know I can't refuse you. What flavor do you want?"

"Chocolate! No, Strawberry. Wait, Mint." Sascha looked at the hand-written list of flavors, "I changed my mind again--Black Raspberry. Yeah that's it." She stepped up to the counter, "A large cone of Cappuccino Chocolate Chip, please." She grinned at Robert, "Changed my mind--haven't had enough coffee today."

Robert ordered low-fat lemon sherbet, "Boooriiing!" Sascha muttered under her breath as she licked her ice cream. "Hey Robert?" She called across the car's bonnet; Robert refused to allow ice cream in the car.

"Hmm?" He swallowed the last bit of the cone and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"Are we going to tell Mr. Charles and everybody about the baby?"

"Yes. They'll need to know so that they can help us prepare."

"Robert?" Sascha burped after finishing her ice cream.

"Yes Sweetheart?"

"Thanks for the ice cream. I have another question. Do I have to go to Douravia to deliver the baby? You know, for citizenship or anything like that?"

"I'm fairly certain that where you deliver the babe is irrelevant. Our citizenship will transfer to the baby. But it is an excellent question and I'm going to check. I'm glad you mentioned it." They drove home with the top up.

Mr. Charles greeted them as they entered the public dining room. "Well sir, we were beginning to wonder where you'd gone."

"It was such a beautiful spring day, when Sascha and I finished at the doctor we decided to go for a drive with the car's top down. We ended up down in Plymouth--wandered around a bit. We ate ice cream. Sascha bought this... souvenir."

"It's very... striking," Mr. Charles replied diplomatically.

"Thank you," Sascha smiled cheekily at Robert, "At least someone has good taste."

"And how was Her Highness' doctor visit." Mr. Charles prodded.

"Very satisfactory, Mr. Charles, very satisfactory indeed."

"We all worried when the doctor called about the problem with her blood work..." He suggested with a raised eyebrow.

"We'll make everything clear in the morning. Thank you Mr. Charles. Would you see that our dinner is brought up in half an hour?"

"Of course, Your Highness." He turned and walked to the kitchen as Robert and Sascha began climbing the stairs to their apartment. They got to the top of the stairs and shut the door behind them. Sascha immediately turned to Robert, placed her hands on his hips, and rested her cheek on his chest. He wrapped his arms around his beautiful wife in the blindingly pink sweatshirt. He reminded himself to put on sunglasses if she wore it again. He kissed the top of her head.

Sascha squirmed a bit and turned around. She pressed herself back into Robert and sighed happily as he wrapped her in his arms and pulled her to him. He nuzzled her ear as he let his hand drift down. He lifted the hem of her clothes and rested his hand on her bare belly.

She jumped a little at the touch of his cool hand, but she relaxed and settled comfortably against him. "Sascha?"

"Hmm?"

"I just had a thought."

"Troubled?"

"No... nothing like that. Just thinking about our baby."

"Me too. A lot."

"It just occurred to me; if the doctor's right and the baby really is a boy, then he's in line to be a king. That's an enormous load of expectation to put on a little boy." He kissed Sascha's head again, "I should know."

"Was it hard growing up knowing that you were destined to be a king... to rule?"

"I can't say hard. Let's face it, I grew up in a privileged environment. But I always was aware of the expectations my father, mother, and Douravia had for me. That's tough on a teenager trying to spread his wings, discover himself, fit in with his peers." Robert finally slid his hand off Sascha's belly and up to caress her breast.

"Mmm, I hoped you'd get around to that." She lifted his left hand to join his right. "You know? I wonder if I'll be able to nurse our baby?"

"Another question for your list." Robert whispered as he ran thumbs across Sascha's nipples. She hissed in a breath and shuddered at his touch. He gave them a gentle pinch, Sascha jumped, "Sensitive little things, aren't they? Let's see what else I can find."

When he finished his exploration, Sascha laid on their bed shivering; Who'd have thought, Sascha wondered dreamily, that kissing and tickling the back of the knees could induce a woman to orgasm?

Robert stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. He strolled over to the bed where Sascha lay, sprawled on her back, staring at the ceiling. Robert casually sat beside her and rested a hand on her bare shoulder. "Robert, Please, No! I can't possibly... again... I'm exhausted.

"Me too. Our dinner is ready in our dining room. Come on now, you must be hungry."

"Thirsty too."

"I'll get you some water. We're alone--if you don't feel like getting dressed..." He shrugged and left the rest unsaid. He took another appreciative look at Sascha's naked body and then left to get the water.

When he came back to the bedroom with Sascha's water, he found her precariously balanced on her left leg, trying to don a pair of black lace panties. He used one finger on Sascha's right shoulder to help keep her upright. She finished sliding on the panties, "Thanks, let's eat."

"Wouldn't it have been easier to sit on the bed to get dressed?" Robert asked.

"Probably. But it seemed like a good idea at the time. By the time I realized it wasn't quite working I was too stubborn to admit it. Thank you for the water." She said to Robert's back as he went back into the bathroom--and came out naked. Sascha was not so tired that she couldn't admire her husband's perfectly sculpted body as he passed by her on the way to his closet. He came out wearing only a pair of black silk briefs Sascha had given him--in private--on his last birthday.

They sat together at the small dinner table. Whatever was under the silver serving cover smelled delicious; it turned out to be a simple beef and vegetable stew accompanied by crusty bread rolls and green salad.

After dinner, every cell in Sascha's body begged her to crawl into bed and fall asleep. But she ignored it. She forced herself to put on some comfy clothes; not look at her hunky husband; and park her butt at her desk and start getting ready for final's week. By eleven she was done--not with her studying, but physically. She left her office and went to the bedroom. Robert was reclined on the bed, reading. Sascha walked over to his side, kissed his forehead and went to take a shower.

When she came out, Robert set aside his book. "Hey Babe," He said as she crawled under the comforter and punched up the pillow, "I took the liberty of reading the instructions for the pregnancy test. It said best, most accurate results, are achieved with the first pee in the morning."

"Yeah, okay. Remind me then. 'Night." She rolled over and was asleep immediately. Robert shut off his reading light and fell asleep spooned up behind Sascha.

In the morning, they woke up together. Sascha rolled off the bed and stumbled toward the bathroom. "Sascha, don't forget the pregnancy test. I left that and a clean cup for you on the counter by the sink."

"Oh! Right. Thanks, I did forget." Sascha looked at the cup. She thought back to the mess she'd made the first time peeing after her surgery. She was infinitely more accurate now; but the cup seemed pretty small.

"Well," She muttered as she washed her hands, "At least the freaking cup is full." She reread the instructions, then pulled the cover off the test and stuck the tip in the cup. She counted to thirty, noted that the tip had changed color as it was supposed to, and put the cover back on. The test started it's automated countdown as Sascha sat back on the toilet and finished.

Sascha was drying her hands again when the test beeped that it was ready. Her stomach clutched and she'd have sworn her heart skipped a beat. She looked, 'PREGNANT' flashed on the little display panel.

"Wow!" Was all she could think to say. She picked up the test and returned to the bedroom. She was silent as she handed it to Robert.

"Fantastic!" He jumped off the bed and grabbed Sascha in a hug. "I am so very happy."

"Me too." Sascha grinned. She went around to the bedside table on her side of the bed and picked up her phone. She set the pregnancy test on the table, focused the phone's camera and snapped a picture. She punched in her mom's e-mail, attached the picture, and sent it off with no message. She smirked a bit and wondered how long it would take her mom to respond.

"What's so funny?" Robert asked.

"I just sent my mom a picture of this," She waved the pregnancy test, "With no message. This ought to be interesting."

"Do me a favor?"

"Okay, what?"

"Make darn sure your mother knows I had nothing to do with that picture."

"Well, it does say pregnant, you're at least 50% responsible for that. Don't you think?"

Before Robert could answer, Sascha's phone rang. "This should be fun," Sascha smiled brightly, "Hello Mom."

"Sascha, what is this picture you sent me?"

"It's a pregnancy test mom," Sascha grinned at Robert.

"Don't be insulting. Of course it's a pregnancy test. Who's?"

"Well Mom, let just say in about seven months you're going to be a grandmother."

"Oh my God! Stephanie's pregnant? Why did she tell you first? How is Tank taking it? Are they going to get married? Sascha, sweetie thanks, I've got to call her right..."

"Mom!" Sascha shouted. This wasn't going according to plan. She realized she should have expected her mom to assume it was Steph. "It isn't Steph. At least not that I know of. Mom... it's me. Robert and I just found out yesterday. We're not sure how... but the OB/GYN assures us that I'm going to have a baby in December--a baby boy."

"Sascha this isn't funny, we both know that's not possible."

"Before yesterday, Mom, I would have 100% agreed with you. But now I need you to start thinking outside the box and believe me. Mom, your little girl is pregnant. I don't know how it was possible; my doctors certainly can't explain it; but the ultrasounds, blood tests, the morning sickness all, oh and Robert just reminded me--we listened to the baby's heartbeat--they all confirm, as Dr. Smart, the OB/GYN I'm seeing put it--I've got a bun in the oven. A boy bun. Mom? Are you still there?"

"I'm here baby. I'm just trying to come to grips with the impossible. I don't know what to say."

"How about congratulations and that you're happy for us?"

"How about 'Darn it Sascha, Your dad and I are too young to be a grandparents!" Allison Janovitch laughed heartily, "And of course, Congratulations, we're very happy for you. Have you told Stephanie."

"Not yet."

"That should be interesting," She laughed again, then shouted, "ERIC! Whatever you're doing, drop it and get in here! Sascha's on the phone. You aren't going to believe the news."

Sascha could hear the pounding footsteps even through the phone, "Alli? What is it what's wrong? Did she have another accident?"

Allison came back on the phone, "Here's your father. Tell him what you told me."

Sascha did. Eric Janovitch responded with a lot of 'buts' and 'impossibles' and 'hows' but he finally accepted the news and went silent. "Dad? Dad?"

Allison answered, "Sascha, Sweetie, give him a minute. He's sitting at the kitchen table crying. Would you mind if we called you back in a little while?"

"That would be great Mom. Hey Mom, do me a favor? Find out if Dad's crying because he's happy for us, or because he's too young to be called grandpa?" Sascha heard Allison laughing some more as she ended the call."

CHAPTER 46

"Well." Sascha whooshed out a breath, "That was a lot more dramatic than I expected. I think I'll just skip the picture when I call Steph and Carrie.

Sascha called Steph first; the call went straight to voice mail, "Steph its Sascha. Don't want to leave a message. Call me." They waited a few minutes but didn't get an immediate response, so they finished dressing and went downstairs to share breakfast with everyone else.

After eating, Robert gathered everyone and gave them the news of Sascha's pregnancy. He also revealed that they were having a boy--while Sascha rushed off to the bathroom. When she came out, she moved upstairs, brushed her teeth a couple times, and got her things ready for school--today was Dr. Jellison--the last session before finals... the last session before graduation.

As she finished dressing--jeans that still fit, sneakers, flowery Hawaiian shirt, and vivid pink sweatshirt--Robert entered their dressing area. "Hey Hon, Cook asked me to give you these crackers. She insists they'll help if you start to feel queasy."

"Great, thanks. On the way home after school I'm going to stop at the market; see if I can find some mouthwash with no alcohol."

"Do you need a ride?"

"Thanks. No. I need the exercise."

Sascha breezed through the finals.

As soon as she finished with Prof. Tidewell's exam, she made her way to registration and enrolled in her first three classes to begin work on a Master's Degree. She didn't relish spending the summer in school--but... Besides, all three classes were in the morning so her afternoons would be free. "I'll study after the sun goes down," She promised Robert.

Six weeks later, Sascha finished another day's work at school at 15:00. Her professors had been relentless. She was exhausted and didn't feel all that great. Her morning sickness had intensified over the last month and she was having trouble keeping food down. She hoped a cup of ginger tea and some crackers would help when she got home.

She turned down a classmate's offer of a ride and chose to walk home from school because Dr. Smart insisted the exercise was beneficial to her and the baby. She paused for a deep breath before she climbed the steps and pulled open the door.

She stepped up to the elevator, opened the palm scanner's door and put her hand on it. For the first time since its installation the scanner glitched and demanded her pin-code. She remembered to look at the camera on the right, but for the life of her couldn't remember what PIN she'd chosen. "Oh crap!" she muttered. She looked at the camera again, smiled, and mouthed, "I'm sorry, I forgot my pin." The light over the elevator door changed to brilliant flashing red. Sascha heard a loud 'clunk' from behind her. She turned and saw that a large screen of metal bars had dropped into place blocking the building's entry doors. She turned to the camera again, shrugged and repeated, "I'm sorry," as she heard footsteps pounding toward her from the back of the building. One security man raced around the corner, a second peeked around the corner--weapon drawn--protecting her partner.

"I'm sorry..." Started to approach the guard.

"Hands... Please!" The guard stepped back. Sascha froze, then carefully pulled her hands back and showed them to the guard.

The second guard came from behind cover. She checked the main entrance door, looked down the opposite corridor, and finally the elevator door. "Do you have ID?" She asked Sascha.

"In my p. p. purse." Sascha whispered, more than a little bit intimidated.

"Please remove it. Left hand please." Sascha finally found her wallet and displayed her driver's license.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Are you safe and secure?"

"I am. The palm reader glitched and I forgot my Pin. Haven't had to use it since the system was installed a couple years ago."

"We're secure here." The second guard spoke into her collar mic. "Recover security measures." The light over the elevator returned to green; Sascha heard the 'thunks' as the security gate retracted.

The female guard put her hand to her ear, squinted, "Roger. Sec One Out." She turned to Sascha, "Your highness, would you retry the palm reader. We want to see if the system reset cleared the problem?"

Sascha complied. The system worked perfectly. "Thank heavens." She muttered as the guards retreated, wishing her a good day.

The upstairs security team met her as she exited the elevator. "Are you well, Your Highness?" Ben asked. "You looked tired climbing the entry steps."

"Thank you for asking. Relax gentlemen, I'm fine. Just--a little morning sickness; I had to take it easy. Is Prince Edwin home yet?"

"No ma'am. You're first today."

"Thank you. Would it be possible for you not to mention my faux pax at the elevator? Please?"

Ben grinned, "Of course, Your Highness. If asked, we'll just report that you got tangled up in a no-notice security test."

"Thanks, Ben. Have a good evening gentlemen. I hope you have a quiet night." Sascha moved down the corridor and opened the door. She found Birgit and Agatha in the main public room.

"Hey guys," She greeted them. No one else was around to disapprove if she was a tiny bit informal.

"Good evening, Your Highness," Birgit greeted her, and then frowned, "Princess, you look very pale. Are you well?" The ladies didn't bite on the informality.

Sascha smiled tiredly, "Everyone worries about me. I'm fine. Just tired and queasy. I'd sell my soul for some ginger tea and crackers."

"Very good Miss. Why don't you go rest in your office?" Agatha suggested, "I will get your tea and crackers and bring them up to you."

"Thank you, I will." Sascha slowly climbed the stairs to the apartment. She stopped in their bedroom long enough to shed her jacket. She changed out of her school clothes into a loose pair of yoga pants (that wouldn't fit much longer, but hey) and a flowing, yellow-flowered smock. She stopped in front of her mirror, checked her profile and ran her hands over her noticeably expanding abdomen. She paused; forgot the mirror and dashed to the bathroom in time to hang her head over the toilet bowl.

That's where Agatha, carrying tea and crackers, found her. Sascha struggled upright, pale and sweating. Agatha stepped out of the bathroom and set aside her tray. She returned and helped Sascha back to a lounge chair in the bedroom. She soaked a cloth in cold water so that Sascha could wipe her face and hands. Sascha flopped back on the lounger, sighing and shaking her head, "Sorry."

"No need to apologize, ma'am. Here, Cook prepared your ginger tea. Drink this and eat the crackers. You'll feel better."

Sascha accepted the cup and sipped. She suppressed a grimace, "I really don't like the taste of ginger; but it does help settle my tummy. Thank you. I really should take this to school with me in a thermos." She started to nibble on the plain crackers. Agatha quietly slipped out of the room to let the princess rest. Sascha finished the tea, ate a last cracker to negate the taste of ginger, and propped her feet up on a leather-upholstered ottoman. She dozed.

Robert arrived home from the Douravian Consulate an hour later. The security team and Agatha conscientiously reported Sascha's condition. Robert hurried upstairs, peeked into the master bedroom. He found Sascha still asleep, on the lounger in her office. He removed his shoes and tiptoed into the room. He sat on the edge of their bed and quietly watched his wife sleep. Her color appeared better to him than the pale, sick wretch described by Agatha. Her hand started to slide off her belly. Robert caught it and tried to put it back. Sascha's eyes opened and she smiled, "Hi, Handsome. How was your day?"

"Hello yourself. Agatha told me you're not feeling well? Do you need to see the doctor?"

"Don't think so. I just had a rough day at school. The professors just kept piling on the work. To make it worse, I got tired and made the mistake of sneaking a cup of coffee on an empty stomach. My gut rebelled. I had some ginger tea and crackers as soon as I got home and finished bowing to the toilet bowl. I feel much better now that I've had a nap." She rose from the lounger, "I'll be right back, I need to rinse my mouth and brush my teeth."

She returned to the bedroom after freshening up. She felt and looked better; her gut seemed to have settled for the moment. She sat on the bed next to Robert and settled into his gentle embrace. He reached up and pushed a few loose strands of hair out of her eyes, "So how are you, really?"

Sascha leaned up and kissed her nervous husband, "I'm fine... really," She grinned. I'm not any worse than the billions of women who have been pregnant before me. Of course, Dr. Smart and his colleagues are still trying to figure out exactly how I became pregnant... Hey! I spoke with Jamie during lunch. Did you know that Kate had the babies? Three more boys this time. That goes nicely with the three boys and three girls, don't you think?"

"Better them than us. As a veteran of a 10-kid family... well... the only word I can think of is chaos.

"Oh, I don't know. I was kind of hoping for three or four..."

"All at once!" Robert gasped.

Sascha laughed happily, "No, silly. Kate told me about her struggles during her first delivery; One at a time will be just fine for me, thank you very much. I just pray we have a nice, healthy baby boy."

"Amen to that. Do you feel well enough to walk down to dinner with me?"

"I'll try. The pregnancy books say at 4 1/2 months, like I am, my hormones should be getting sorted out and the puking should be easing off. One of the books even said my sex drive should be getting back to normal."

"Fantastic. I can't wait."

"Just be careful with the big bump in front."

"Let's go to dinner. We'll discuss dealing with 'the bump' later." They both laughed as they rose from the bed and walked together to the dining area.

Mr. Charles greeted them, "Good evening." He met Sascha's eyes, "I trust you are feeling better Princess?"

"I am. Thank you, Mr. Charles. I took a nap and feel much better; I thought I'd try a light dinner."

"Excellent. Cook prepared a simple poached chicken breast and brown rice for you. I hope you enjoy it. Cook also reminded me she has ample bananas, yogurt, and ginger available if you'd like a smoothie for dessert."

"It sounds wonderful." She cut a small piece of chicken and chewed it carefully. She waited, wondering if her system would accept the food. After a couple tense minutes, she took another small bite of chicken and a bit of rice. She thought she tasted a hint of ginger in the chicken. It took her a full 40 minutes, but, bite by bite, she finished her meal. She looked around as she set down her utensils and folded the napkin--everyone was watching her--waiting. She smiled, "I'm fine folks. Honest." Robert quickly downed the last of his meal. He'd been dawdling, not wanting to finish before his Sascha; watching for the slightest hint of discomfort.

Cook came out of the kitchen and approached Sascha and Robert, "Excuse me, Your Highnesses, but was everything okay?"

"Excellent Ms. Diana," Sascha responded happily, "It was simple, but tasty. Thank you so much for finding something I could eat. One thing, Mr. Charles mentioned that you have bananas, yogurt, and ginger? I'd love a smoothie, if it isn't too much trouble."

"Right away, Miss... I mean Princess..."

"Please, just Sascha..."

"No Princess. Such familiarity is not proper. But thank you." Diana left the dining area for the kitchen.

"I don't get it. I'm just another person."

"Darling..." Robert began.

Mr. Charles coughed softly, "If I might be excused Your Highness?"

"Of course."

"Goodnight, Sir. Princess, I do hope you're feeling better." He quickly left the room.

Robert took Sascha's hand, "As I started to say, My Love, you are not just another person. No matter your protests, you are a unique and extraordinary individual. You are..."

"Robert, please..."

"Sascha, Sweetheart, let me finish. As I was saying, you are unique and extraordinary. You are smart, capable, beautiful, and caring. You are modest. But you also have enough of a temper to keep things interesting. Yes, I heard about your outburst at the boutique."

Sascha blushed, "I need to be more careful about that. Sorry."

"That saleswoman had no business acting like that. Actually, mother told me that you were quite wonderful--infinitely Gallic in your disdain."

Ms. Diana came out of the kitchen carrying a tray with two glasses. "Here is your smoothie, ma'am. I brought one for each of you. I hope you enjoy them." She left.

Sascha immediately grabbed one glass and sipped, "Mmm, delicious!" She drank greedily "Come on Robert try it, it's good."

Robert grabbed the second glass and sipped. He grimaced and struggled to swallow.

Sascha saw his expression, "What's wrong?"

"You like this? Really?"

"It's delicious--just what I needed."

Robert handed her his glass, "Enjoy. I'd hate to deprive you." He grinned--plotting how to sneak away and rinse the foul taste of ginger from his mouth. Sascha finished her smoothie and, without apology, grabbed Robert's glass, drained it, and then wiped her lips with the linen napkin.

"Aaah." Sascha leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

"Honey, I hate to disturb you..."

Sascha burped and reluctantly opened one eye, "Hmm? What?"

"Tomorrow evening is the Annual Ball of the Boston Diplomatic Corps. Most all the credentialled senior-level diplomats in Boston will be there. Do you feel well-enough to join me?"

"I'm feeling pretty good right now. If I keep supper down tonight, I don't see why not. Besides, I'll get to wear my new formal maternity gown."

"A maternity gown?"

"Yup. Mrs. Watkins visited a few days ago; I was running around in yoga pants and a tank top." Sascha patted her baby bump. "Anyway, she suggested, very politely, that I should probably start looking for some maternity wear. She also reminded me--when I returned from throwing up--of the Diplomatic Corps Ball. So, in the afternoon, she took me shopping. I found a gorgeous gown and a couple nice business suits." She paused and grinned, "You might want to check your credit card balance."

"I see. Want to show me the things you got?"

"Nope. You'll see the gown tomorrow night."

"What if I don't think it looks good on you?" Robert teased. He really wanted to see the gown.

Sascha's smile fell away and tears poured down her cheeks. "You don't like the way I look?" She cried. "Do you think I'm getting too fat to wear a nice gown? To hell with it! Go to your stupid ball without me!" She raced from the dining room, climbed the stairs, and disappeared into the suite.

Robert looked skyward and shook his head, "What the hell did I do?" He sighed and got up to follow his wife and make whatever apologies needed to be made.

He met Mr. Charles in the hallway, "Is everything alright, Sir? I heard the princess running and crying..."

"Everything is fine. I was careless with my choice of words... I meant to suggest I might not like her new dress; however, the princess inferred that I think she is becoming fat and ugly."

"Oh dear."

"Yes."

"With your permission, Sir, may I recommend groveling?" The older man smiled and patted the younger man on the shoulder, "Immediately."

"How long does this go on?" Robert asked.

"Let's see, you're what, 28 now?"

Robert nodded, cautiously.

"Very well. As the Devereaux men are an unusually long-lived group, I would estimate that 'this' as you so eloquently put it, will last another 65-70 years. At least."

The two men laughed as Robert turned to go find his wife...

"WHAT!" Sascha shrieked, looking at them from the top of the stairs, "Now you're both laughing at me because I'm fat and ugly! Do I embarrass you?" She turned and disappeared again.

Robert sighed and swiped a hand across his tired eyes. "Good luck, Your Highness," Mr. Charles called out softly as the prince climbed slowly up the stairs. He searched through the apartment and found Sascha laying curled up on their bed.

He sat on the edge of the mattress and rested his hand on Sascha's shoulder, "Darling?"

Sascha shrugged his hand off and rolled away. He touched her other shoulder, "Sascha, My Love, you know deep down that I would never insult you. Don't you?"

A muffled "Hmph" came from the pillow.

"And you know when I said I might not like the dress, I was only asking you to show me the dress--I was most certainly NOT calling you names. I still think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met."

Silence.

"One other thing you should know. I spoke with Father and Mother this afternoon. Tomorrow morning--their time--Chateau Devereaux is going to issue a press release announcing that you are expecting. You'll want to look especially nice tomorrow night at the Diplomatic Ball."

Sascha turned, "Really?" She pushed herself up to sit beside Robert. "Would you like to see the gown?"

"Really. And I would, very much like to see your new dress."

Sascha wiped her eyes. Then laughed. "No! You can see it tomorrow night."

"Hey!" Robert leaned over and kissed Sascha's brow, "Feeling better now?"

"Yeah. Sorry for the drama. Stupid Hormones! I will tell you that my dress is silver-grey, sparkly, lacey, a little bit revealing, and has a full-length skirt. Mrs. Watkins said it was perfect and very flattering."

*****

"Prince Edwin and Princess Sascha of Douravia!" The official at the door to the ballroom announced to the room. They entered to polite applause. They moved across the room and joined the receiving line to greet the new Consul-General and say goodbye to their predecessor. Sascha had eaten an early, ginger-laced, dinner to give her system time to accept or reject it. She felt infinitely better than the day before. She and Robert avoided the available buffet; Sascha opted only for a champagne glass of ginger ale.

As Robert and Sascha stood chatting with another member of the Boston diplomatic corps, an elderly lady--silver haired, richly gowned and jeweled--approached Sascha. "Excuse me, Miss? I don't mean to be intrusive or insulting--but do you think it's wise to be drinking champagne in your... condition?"

Sascha, busy listening to Robert and the other diplomat, didn't follow her reasoning, "I'm sorry? My condition?"

"You're expecting aren't you? I am a retired pediatric nurse. Alcohol isn't good for a baby."

Sascha caught on, "Ah yes. Thank you, Mrs..."

"McIntyre... Moira McIntyre."

"Thank you Mrs. McIntyre. I am expecting. My husband Prince Edwin and I are trying not to be too annoying about it. Oh, and this is ginger ale. I'm just trying to look more grown up around all the diplomats." Sascha smiled, "But I thank you for your concern. So many people are intimidated by my title--I appreciate it when someone speaks up."

"If you don't mind my asking, who is your OB/GYN?"

"It's Dr. Sharp, Darrell Sharp."

"Ah! I worked with him for several years before I retired. He is one of the best... maybe the best. You're in good hands. If you wouldn't mind, when you see him, say hello for me?"

"Happy to."

Robert approached, "Sascha we need to circulate a little," Sascha slipped her arm into his.

"Okay. Prince Edwin, this is Mrs. McIntyre, she's a nurse and used to work with Dr. Smart. Mrs. McIntyre, this is my husband, Prince Edwin of Douravia."

Mrs. McIntyre stared. "You're the American princess. I watched your wedding on TV. I didn't recognize you. I'm sorry for being so rude before."

"Nonsense." Sascha interrupted, "Even a... someone with a title needs to be spoken to honestly. So many people won't. But we do need to move on now. It was nice to meet you Mrs. McIntyre."

"And you, Your Highness."

"Jeez." Sascha whined as she and Robert moved on.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" Robert asked.

"What? I'm fine. No, I was just thinking about how Mrs. McIntyre didn't recognize me at first, she came right up to me and told me--that being pregnant--I shouldn't be drinking champagne. She wasn't bashful at all about it. Then, she finds out you're my husband and I have a title and she gets all wishy washy and apologetic. It's frustrating when people are afraid to say what they're thinking."

"I understand Sweetheart; but this is neither the time nor place to have this discussion. We need to go and mingle."

"You're right. Sorry for unloading on you."

"You don't have to apologize; you only said what you were thinking." They approached the Brazilian Consulate General. "Good evening, Your Excellency." Robert greeted her, "Thank you so much for inviting us. Are you enjoying Boston?"

"Very much so, Your Highnesses." The CG bowed to Robert, nodded to Sascha. "I've always loved Boston. I was here as a college student--Heavens it's been 30 years now! I was a bit of an outcast--I never cared for baseball. But I did acquire a taste for American football."

It happened in late August. Sascha woke up in the morning, showered. Then washed and deep conditioned her hair. She wrapped herself in one towel and her hair in a cotton T-shirt she'd stolen from Robert. She yawned and stretched as she went to her closet to get dressed. She threw on a pair of pale-yellow panties and grabbed her favorite jeans. She slipped on the jeans, only to discover they wouldn't button over her baby bump.

"Robert!" She called out.

He hustled in, half-dressed, "What is it?" He found Sascha standing in her closet staring mournfully at her expanding belly and unbuttoned jeans.

"I can't button my jeans. I'm getting so fat my jeans don't..."

"Stop that!" Robert snapped but relented and gathered Sascha in his arms. "You're not fat. But you do have a nice, healthy baby growing inside you. Our baby. Don't you have something loose or stretchy that you can wear?"

"But I don't want loose and stretchy," She sniffled, "I want my jeans."

"I know Sweetheart." He patted her back and kissed her, "Why don't we have Mrs. Watkins take you shopping for some more maternity wear..."

"No! She's great for formal stuff and business clothes. But for regular everyday things I want to shop with you. I want to know what you'd like to see me wearing, not what Mrs. Watkins thinks is appropriate. I'm freaking sick of the word 'Appropriate'!" She flopped down on the bench in her closet and stripped off the jeans. Wearing just panties she searched through her drawers. She dug out a pair of yoga pants that stretched enough to fit. "At least my stupid bra still fits--sort of." She found a loose button-down shirt that fit around her belly. Back in the bedroom, she discovered that her self-pity had put her behind schedule. She wrapped five scrunchies around her hair and hurried down the stairs.

She was feeling better; but to play it safe she still drank a cup of ginger tea and packed a bag of plain soda crackers.

CHAPTER 47

When December came around everyone was busy planning for Christmas and the arrival of a future prince. Sascha was in her office, studying, or rather trying to study. She was enormously uncomfortable. She felt as big as a house. Her belly stuck out so far she had trouble reaching the keyboard of her laptop. She tried resting her Management Accounting text on her belly, but the baby kept kicking and moving it. She gave up and reclined back. "Excuse me, Princess?" Mr. Charles asked from the office.

"Hey, Mr. Charles. What's up?"

"With all due respect, Princess, Prince Edwin just called from the consulate. He said he'd tried calling you but you didn't answer your phone. He asked me to make sure you were okay."

"Thank you Mr. Charles, I'm fine. I shut my phone off to charge it."

"I see. His Highness also asked me, to remind you, to get up and walk around to keep your blood circulating."

Sascha smiled, and grunted, as she fought her way out of the chair. She took a deep breath, "There, I'm up." She waddled across the room, staring at Mr. Charles, silently daring him to smile at her discomfort. He didn't and she passed by him.

"Princess, if you have a moment, would you like to see the Christmas decorations? We've just finished decorating the tree. Sascha got down the stairs, with a big assist from the railing and made it to the public area. The tree was beautiful. This year's palette was a combination of various shades of purple and gold. They'd even found gold and purple tinsel. She sat on the leather upholstered ottoman to admire the tree but got right back up--she was supposed to be walking--and moved around the tree. Finally, she found two golden ornaments too close together. She grabbed one and swapped it with a purple star from the other side of the tree. "There!" She announced to no one, "I've done my part."

She wandered into the dining room; she thought it deserved the title 'State Dining Room', but no one would listen. She entered the kitchen and greeted Cook. At one of the counters she reached for the glass-covered tray of cookies. "Excuse me, Your Highness?" Cook called out.

"Yes?"

"Begging your pardon, Princess, but you need fruit... not cookies." She handed Sascha a shiny green apple.

"You're right... of course. But dammit, I really wanted a cookie." She took a bite of the apple and chewed slowly. "Good." She admitted with a wry smile, "Thank you Miss Diana. Now I need to get back to my studying. Finals are approaching."

"Yes, ma'am. And if I may say..." She pointed at Sascha's bulging abdomen, "It won't be long before the BIG final exam."

Sascha laughed, almost choked on her apple, "That's very true. Sometimes I regret that I can't give birth like other women. Then again, at my childbirth classes I keep hearing the horror stories of two and three day labors filled with pure agony, and..." She shrugged. "Dr. Smart says I'll be awake but numbed by an epidural so I'll be able to see my baby. God! Another surgery." She sighed and took another bite of the apple.

On December 23, Robert and Sascha walked into Dr. Smart's waiting area a little early. They sat and chatted until his nurse called them in. Sascha struggled out of her seat, with a helping hand from Robert. "Remind me to suggest Dr. Smart put in a couple of those lift chairs that help you up." She was out of breath from the effort of getting up.

As they walked down the corridor they heard a booming, boisterous laugh coming from one of the offices. "Well, at least we know Dr. Smart is around somewhere," Sascha chuckled. They followed the nurse to the exam room. Sascha stripped and put on the gown; Robert tied the back for her. The nurse started her preliminary checks.

"Okay, Mrs. Devereaux, your BP is a tiny bit elevated--it's nothing to worry about; no sign of diabetes." She ran a measuring tape across Sascha's belly and checked her chart, "Looks like your baby is still growing nicely. Good. The doctor will be right with you."

They waited about 10 minutes. Dr. Smart charged into the room and shook both their hands. He had a huge smile on his face. "Good morning Your Highnesses. Sorry I'm running just a bit behind. But I just had the delightful opportunity to tell a young couple they're going to have twins. The wife was fine; the husband had to use the trash can." He laughed heartily as he pulled out his stethoscope and listened to Sascha's heart and lungs--front and back. "Sounds good. Lay back for me." He placed the bell on Sascha's belly and moved it around, "Mrs. Devereaux, Your Highness, would you mind telling Junior here to stay still for a second so I can check his heartbeat."

"Good luck with that," She moaned as the baby lurched again, "I think he's trying to play soccer in there."

"The nurse said your BP was up just a little bit. Let me check that again." He did. "Yeah, up a little, but still fine. Go ahead and get dressed, then come to my office so we can talk." He took off.

Sascha quickly ditched the gown and donned the nice, blue, maternity business suit Mrs. Watkins had recommended. She and Robert walked across the hall to the office. Dr. Smart was looking over a patient's chart. "Your Highness you're doing just fine. Absolutely great."

"That's good," Sascha sighed with relief.

"So... Do you have anything planned for next Tuesday? The 27th?"

"Not that I know of... why?" Sascha answered.

"Well according to your records, you are well into your 39th week. Your son is nice and big and healthy. I thought you might like to deliver your baby."

"Oh. OH!" She turned to Robert and grinned. "How about you? Doing anything next Tuesday?"

For the first time since she'd met Robert. Robert the Prince, future king, diplomat, and man of the world... she saw her husband non-plussed and at a loss for words. Finally, he nodded and took her hands in his, "I'll be right there with you." He paused and looked at the doctor, "I will be there with her, won't I." It was a statement, not a question. Sascha was glad to see that Robert, the future king, was back in the room.

"Yes, Your Highness, a husband's welcome to be with his wife. So... if that's all, I'll see you... Tuesday, December 27th. Be at the hospital by 8:00."

"We'll see you then." Robert commented.

The next morning, Sascha woke when the baby kicked her in the bladder. "Oh Jeez," She sighed as she rolled off the bed--for the last few months she'd taken over the side closest to the bathroom--and went to pee... again." She finished wiping and returned to the bedroom. She looked at the clock...4:45." She shook her head and sat on the edge of the bed. The baby kicked again, "Oh come on little guy, that's my bladder not a soccer ball!" She muttered as she pushed up and returned to the bathroom.

She got to sleep. She woke up on her side, staring into Robert's startling blue eyes. "Good morning, Mon Ange. Happy Anniversary."

"Thanks Baby. Happy Anniversary."

"How are you this morning? You were up and down a lot last night."

"Yeah. Your son thinks he's at a soccer tryout."

"Really? How's he doing?"

"Don't know. But he's enthusiastic." She grunted, "That was a good one... be right back."

Sascha returned and crawled back into bed, she moved as close to Robert as she could with her belly in the way. He bent himself and kissed Sascha, then pulled back, "Damn," He muttered.

"What?"

"Now I have to go to the bathroom." By the time he returned, Sascha was asleep.

She got out of bed in time for lunch. Showered and dressed she went into her study, which, except for the immediate area around her desk, had been converted into a nursery. She checked her e-mail: lots of spam and a couple notes from professors. She made her way carefully down the stairs to the official area. She met Mr. Charles, "Good afternoon Princess. How are you today?"

"Kind of tired. Didn't sleep very well."

"Perhaps some lunch? Keep up your energy?" He suggested.

"Thank you." She wandered off from the dining room and found herself back in the living area with the Christmas tree. She stared at the tree but couldn't find anything to fix. She strolled back to the main corridor and walked down to the security station by the elevator. "Good afternoon gentlemen," She greeted the team. "I thought I'd stop by and wish you all a Merry Christmas--just in case I don't get the chance to see you tomorrow."

"Thank you Princess. And a Merry Christmas to you."

Sascha left them and returned to the dining room. She found Agatha laying out a small lunch. "Good afternoon Princess. Cook thought you might like a nice chef's salad."

"A salad sounds nice. Thank you." She ate with little enthusiasm; half-way through she pushed it aside, "Don't want anymore." She got up, organized the leftovers and took them into the kitchen. "Thank you Miss Diana; there was too much for me to finish."

"You're welcome Princess. If I may say, you appear very tired and pale--perhaps you should go upstairs and rest."

"I think I will. Thanks again for lunch. The baby's been so active lately, I haven't been sleeping very well." She left the kitchen, passed through the dining room and returned to the main corridor. She met Mr. Charles coming down the stairs. "Mr. Charles, did Robert say what time he'd be home?"

"His Highness expected he'd be rather late today. He said that he had a lot of details and paperwork to clean up before he starts his paternity leave."

"That's right, he told me that last night. I forgot. Sorry." Sascha started climbing the stairs, got a little dizzy, and sat down on the stairs.

"Princess, are you ill?" Mr. Charles sounded worried.

"Got a little dizzy. Let me rest for just a second; I'll be fine." She rested her elbows on her knees and put her head down on her hands. She forced herself to take several deep breaths before getting up and making her way to the bedroom for a nap.

She woke up slowly. Robert sat by her side stroking her hair. "Feeling rested?" He asked.

"Mmm."

"Hungry? Feel like dinner?"

"Maybe a bit. Don't feel like doing the stairs."

"I'll have our dinner brought up." He called down, "Would you bring up our dinner now." Agatha delivered it and departed. It was a savory marinated and roasted chicken, accompanied by a wild rice pilaf, and roasted carrots.

Sascha sat back, satisfied. "Everything was delicious. Do you think that after the baby is born I could... Never mind, it's not important." Sascha got up and walked away to her study. Robert followed and found her wandering around and idly touching the baby's things.

"Only a few more days." He whispered as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Yes. Not much longer now." She agreed. They strolled out to the living area and relaxed on the sofa. Robert turned on their TV. "Hey look! That's Tank's school. I forgot they're in the college playoffs again. Can we watch?"

"Of course."

Tank's team led 28-3 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Robert and Sascha lost interest and switched channels. Sascha curled up in Robert's arms while they watched an old '50s musical. Robert's hand found its way to Sascha's breast; his thumb gently circled the nipple. Sascha sighed, "Mmm, you haven't done that in a while. It feels nice." She adjusted herself enough to free his second hand. It quickly joined his first hand on Sascha's engorged breasts.

"I was afraid of hurting you." He mumbled as he swept her hair out of the way and kissed an earlobe.

Sascha shuddered, "Don't stop." She pushed back against her lover, relishing his closeness. Sascha reached down and felt Robert hardening. She smiled softly, 'poor guy,' she thought, 'I haven't been very sexy lately.' She slipped out of Robert's arms; he groaned. "Relax Sweetheart, I'm not abandoning you."

She turned and kneeled before him, reaching up for the zipper of his trousers. She slipped her hand through the opening, but her husband was so aroused she couldn't get him loose--at least not without breaking something. "Sorry, Honey, you're going to have to help me." She laughed. She slipped her hand back out and began unbuckling his belt. Unhooked now, she grabbed his trousers and pulled them down. His erection sprang loose, momentarily surprising her. She took gentle hold of him, "I'm not afraid of you," She scolded, as she circled her nail around the sensitive tip. She leaned forward and kissed the tip, licking around it as she squeezed with her hand.

Robert twined both his hands into her thick hair and urged her forward.

She complied, knowing inside that this would be their last time: the visions and visitations by the 'White Lady' had become more frequent and frightening as her pregnancy progressed. She dipped her head and let Robert thrust himself into her mouth again and again. When Robert came he flooded her mouth. She swallowed, but held him in her mouth, savoring his taste one final time. A tear slipped down her cheek as she released him and sat back.

"Are you crying?"

"Just happy."

"I look forward to our time after the baby is born. We have so many things to look forward to."

"Yes. So many things." She lied with a soft smile. She helped Robert pull his pants back up and then Robert helped Sascha rise. They turned off the TV and made their way back to their bedroom. Once there, Robert leaned in for a kiss. "Give me just a second, Sweetheart, I need to brush my teeth." She cleaned her mouth and returned for the promised kiss.

They lay in bed, naked, Robert spooned behind her, covered only by a cotton sheet. Robert sat up, "I almost forgot." He reached into his bedside table's drawer and pulled out a sealed pink envelope which he handed to Sascha. "Open it." He grinned.

She did; and found a comic anniversary greeting. She laughed and thanked him; and then admitted she'd forgotten to get him anything. He touched her swollen belly, "You're everything I'll ever need--never forget that."

"I won't. I need a shower. Wash my back?"

"Of course." He followed her into the bathroom; admired her as she discarded her dirty clothes. She turned on the nice hot shower. He held her hand and helped her into the tub. He finished undressing and joined her under the spray. Robert grabbed his soap and cleaned himself. When Sascha was ready, he took the washcloth and soap from her and gently scrubbed her back. He stayed in the tub while Sascha did her hair.

Sascha shut off the water and slid back the shower door. She took a while to squeeze the excess water out of her hair. Robert handed her the old cotton t-shirt to wrap up her hair. He helped her out of the tub. He disappeared into the bedroom while Sascha finished drying.

He sat on the edge of their bed waiting for Sascha to finish. Suddenly Sascha shrieked, "Robert! Help!" A shiver raced up his spine as he rushed to the bath. He found Sascha kneeling on the floor, her arms wrapped around her abdomen. "Oww!" She cried again. "Robert!"

"I'm here, Sweetheart. Try to relax." He raced to the bedroom, grabbed his phone, ran back to his wife and kneeled down beside her. He called Dr. Smart's number and got his voice mail. He left a message that Sascha was experiencing severe abdominal pain and he was taking her to the hospital. He called Mr. Charles and asked him to gather everyone and help get Sascha to the car. Within seconds he heard footsteps pounding up the stairs; Mr. Charles leading the charge--followed closely by Forbes and Ben the security man.

As they coordinated their efforts to help Sascha to her feet Agatha and Birgit arrived. They shooed the men out of the room and helped Sascha don a nightgown and slippers in between her gasps of pain.

They were halfway down the corridor to the elevator when Dr. Smart returned his call. Robert explained the situation and the doctor heard Sascha groan, "Get her to the hospital, right now. I'll meet you there. Looks like your boy decided not to wait." While Robert talked to the doctor, Sascha pulled Mr. Charles to the side. She reached into her purse and handed an ornate, wax-sealed envelope to him. "Give this to Robert." She winced as another contraction hit, "You'll know when."

They helped Sascha to Robert's car, the Consulate General had the limo for the evening. Robert slid the passenger seat all the way back and helped Sascha get in. He buckled her seat belt before racing around to the driver's side.

He got the car started, despite his shaking hands, and took off. It was late, and Christmas Eve, traffic was very light and Robert made it to the hospital in record time. Dr. Smart must have called ahead; as Robert pulled into the emergency entrance, the orderlies waited with a gurney. They immediately wheeled the groaning woman inside while Robert went to park.

The techs and nurses hurried Sascha's gurney into the operating room. Sascha groaned and writhed as another contraction wracked her body. Dr. Smart was waiting, "We won't have time for the epidural. Use a general." He advised the anesthetist, who immediately slipped a needle into Sascha's IV. Within seconds her eyes were closed.

"She's under. Vitals are okay."

"Scalpel." Dr. Smart ordered.

A nurse led Robert, now masked and wearing scrubs into the operating room. Dr. Smart looked up, "Mr. Devereaux, we had to use a general. You won't be able to speak with Sascha. You should wait outside. Everything will be fine."

"Absolutely not! I stay with my wife." He moved and took the small stool beside Sascha's head. He gently stroked her cheek.

"Would you like to watch?" A comforting voice asked Sascha from somewhere.

"Yes please." She sat up from her reclined position and silently glided up to the ceiling. She looked down at the beehive of activity surrounding the lower portion of her body. She watched as Robert stroked her face and hair. There seemed to be blood everywhere--so much blood.

Dr. Smart lifted her baby from her abdomen, "Congratulations Your Highness, you have a son." Dr. Smart handed the baby to a nurse and looked at the clock. "Time of birth--0002, December 25th." As he turned back from the clock, blood spurted from Sascha's abdomen. "She's hemorrhaging," Dr. Smart snapped.

"BP's Dropping!"

"Heart's fibrillating." A shrill alarm sounded from the heart monitor.

Sascha continued watching dispassionately as the medical team frantically worked to stop the bleeding. They did everything in their power to save the body, but the hemorrhage was too massive. "I'm sorry Your Highness," Dr. Smart spoke softly, "The Princess is gone." He glanced at the clock, "I'm calling the time of death at 0022, December 25th."

Robert looked up to the ceiling. He swore he'd heard something, but he saw only ceiling tiles, "Your Highness, your son." A nurse handed him a swaddled and squalling bundle. He kissed the baby's head and placed him on Sascha's chest, "Mon Ange, this is our son... his name is Stephen.

"Sascha," The comforting voice spoke again, "Your suffering is done. Would you like to come home now?"

"Yes." She looked down one last time. Robert was bent over, sobbing, kissing her forehead, holding her lifeless hand. "Goodbye Robert. I love you both so very much. I'm sorry I couldn't stay with you longer."

Robert stayed by Sascha's body as long as he could. Finally, Dr. Smart came back into the room and put an arm around his shoulder. "Please Robert. I know you're grieving but try to remember the good things."

"What good things?" Robert yelled, pushing at the doctor's hand. "She's done nothing but suffer since she met me: she was attacked in high school; suffered through gender surgery and recovery; kidnapped by those bastard Russians; all those bouts of vomiting while pregnant." Robert sank to his knees, "How could I do this to her?" He moaned.

"Robert, please, can't you remember the look of joy in Sascha's eyes when you both discovered she was pregnant? Can't you remember the adoration in her eyes at the altar when she said 'I will'? Can't you remember the look of awe on both your faces when you listened to your son's heartbeat for the first time?"

A woman wearing a dark suit entered the room. She whispered to Dr. Smart. He nodded and left the room. Robert looked around, lost for a moment, "Mr. Devereaux?" The woman said softly.

"Yes." Dully, uninterested.

"I'm Mrs. Blake. I'm sorry; I know how difficult this is for you--and there is no good time to ask such a question; but your wife was young and healthy, would you be willing to consider donating her organs to help others live a better life?"

Robert turned away from her, horrified. He wanted to scream, strike out at something, and curse. He grabbed his head and cried for his lost love; but he knew Sascha would have wanted to help others.

"Yes. But treat her with dignity. I want you to remember she is Princess Sascha of Douravia."

"We will, I promise. Would you come with me please?" She led him out and to a room where he could sign the consent forms. Afterwards he wandered, eventually finding himself in front of the nursery viewing window. In a room of chaos and noise, one baby lay still, eyes open, and simply looking around. He met his father's eyes and smiled.

Somehow Robert found his way home. He hurried past security without speaking and opened the door to the public areas. He met Mr. Charles, Agatha, and Birgit.

"Well, Your Highness?" Asked Mr. Charles, smiling, but froze when he recognized the agonized expression on Robert's face.

Robert stared, "Mr. Charles!" He sobbed, "Sascha died giving birth. What am I going to do without her; Sascha was my life?" Supported by Mr. Charles, Robert stumbled to the public area and fell into a chair. He flopped back, staring at the ceiling.

Mr. Charles excused himself and went to his room to get the envelope Sascha had left with him just for this moment. 'How did she know?' He wondered. He returned to the living area; Robert still sat motionless; eyes open but sightless.

"Your Highness? Princess Sascha asked me, if things went badly, to give this to you when you returned." He had to force the envelope into Robert's limp and unresponsive hand. Robert simply stared at Sascha's handwriting on the outside.

"Your Highness, perhaps you'd like to open it?" Mr. Charles suggested gently and sat beside the grieving boy whom he'd known the prince's entire life.

"Oh God, Charles. Sascha's gone." He dropped his head into his hands; only then noticing the envelope. He broke the elaborate wax seal and slipped out the sheets of fine stationary, immediately recognizing Sascha's messy handwriting.

My Darling Robert,

I am so sorry that I won't be able to be with you, grow old with you, watch our son grow to manhood, and enjoy our grandchildren with you. Please do not grieve. I beg you--Live your life well. Guide our son.

Several months ago, I began having 'visions' (for lack of a better word). A lady in white came to me while I slept and told me that our son is going to accomplish great things... not the things we expect but still great things. The lady visited me several times reassuring me that our baby was well.

Her last visit was one week ago. At that time, she told me that after giving birth, I would die. I begged and pleaded to be allowed to stay with you. Finally, the lady agreed--I could live, but our son would be stillborn--she said only one of us could live. She also told me that if I chose to live, I would have no second chance at giving you an heir.

Robert, My Darling, after what the Lady revealed to me of your and our son's future, I resolved that those things are more important than one life. I told the lady my son must live. Then she promised I would not suffer unnecessarily.

Sweetheart please don't think badly of me because of my decision. I beg you to go on with your life; serve the people of Douravia well; and make sure our son knows that I love you both so very much.

Finally, Darling, the Lady assures me that no matter the sorrow, anger, and resentment you feel now, you will find love again. My fondest wish is that you find it quickly--please remember me fondly but don't let your memory of me keep you from finding that love and happiness.

With All My Love, Goodbye Sweetheart

Your Sascha

P. S. Darling, I almost forgot, after you have read this letter, would you be the one to notify my parents and sister. Please, don't let them find out on the news that I have died.

***FLASH-IMMEDIATE***

VIDOR, DOURAVIA (WORLD NEWS DESK)--DOURAVIA MOURNS YOUNG PRINCESS

A spokesman for Their Majesties King Rupert and Queen Sophia of Douravia, this morning announced the passing of Princess Sascha, the wife of Douravia's Crown Prince Edwin.

The 22-year-old, American-born, Princess, died suddenly early Christmas morning during emergency surgery to deliver the royal couple's infant son.

For a summary of the life of this extraordinary young woman see page 3

****** --END STORY-- ******

EPILOGUE--15 Years Later

The teenaged boy, tall for his age and dark-haired and blue-eyed like his father, strolled into the Chateau Devereaux family dining room. "Good morning Papa', Grandpapa', Grandmama'." He greeted the men and woman sitting at the left side of the table. "Good morning Auntie Izzy." The youth laughed.

"Stephen!" His father and grandmother admonished him at the same time.

"Good morning... Aunt Isabella." He didn't look the least bit apologetic. "How is Uncle Felix?"

"Off on another trip; taking a trade delegation to London."

"You're not his co-pilot?"

"Nope. I'm off the flight ops duty roster." She stood up, exposing her hugely pregnant abdomen, "For now--and at least six months after the baby is born. I suspect--regretfully--that I may have made my last trip as an airline pilot." She rubbed her belly, "Between this one and the two upstairs, it's time for me to concentrate on my husband and kids."

Stephen nodded as he poured milk over a bowl of cold cereal, ate quickly, and asked to be excused. He hurried back to the Suite he shared with his father. He wanted to go riding--he'd been riding his mother's horse, Nio, since he was six years old. The 19-year-old black stallion still refused to let anyone except Stephen and Aunt Carrie touch him--and only Stephen dared ride him.

The boy stopped in front of the life-sized portrait of his mother, Princess Sascha, which his father had commissioned. "Good morning Mama'. I'm going to ride Nio today. I think he still misses you. I haven't been brave enough to talk with Papa' yet. But I will... I promise. I'll talk with you later. I love you."

The soft cough startled him; he turned and found his father standing silently behind him. "Haven't been brave enough to talk about what, Son?" The Prince smiled and placed a hand gently on his son's shoulder. "I didn't think there was anything we couldn't talk over."

The boy shook his head, "You'll think I'm crazy."

"Because...?"

"Okay! I talk to Mama'."

"I do too. It's not crazy..."

"No Papa'. At night, when I'm asleep, Mama' comes to me and we talk."

"You dream about your mother because you miss her. I dream about our time together. I miss her so terribly much. I..."

"Papa' these aren't dreams. She comes and sits beside me. Last night she told me she's upset that you haven't tried to meet anyone else. She asked me to remind you of her letter... She wants you to find love again. She says you deserve to love."

Edwin stared at his son, "How do you know about the letter?"

"Mom... I mean Mama'... told me about it. She asked me to beg you not to cry anymore... and to start looking for love again." The Devereauxes, father and son, turned to the portrait again.

"Oh Sweetheart!" Edwin groaned, "I still love you and miss you so much. I just can't imagine another woman being able to compete with your memory. It wouldn't be fair to her... or me."

"Mama' said that's what you'd say. But she said there is someone out there waiting for you... and she's been waiting for almost 20 year... but you're going to have to work for it." Stephen smiled and patted his father's shoulder. "One last thing Papa'? Mama said that in the next day or two, you and I will receive an invitation to visit David and Katherine Hellsen for the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Mama' insisted it is vital we attend. She would not explain."

"Son, why... is your mother... visiting... you... not me?"

"She told me that she tried... several times... but you refused to believe. So, she came to me."

Edwin sighed, "I see. If she'll visit again... I promise to try to be more receptive. Are you going for a ride?"

"Yes sir."

"Be safe. I love you son." He ruffled the boy's hair.

"I love you too Papa'." The boy ran off for the stables. Edwin stared at the portrait of his wife in her wedding gown and tiara; wondered if a visit as Stephen described was truly possible or if the boy was simply dreaming. He leaned against the wall; his knees weakened and he slid down until he was sitting on the floor, tears streamed down his cheeks as he kissed the gold wedding band he still wore.

"Edwin!" He looked up and found his father and mother standing near him. He stood up and straightened himself.

"Yes Sir?" His father looked serious.

"I think you've grieved and isolated yourself long enough. Ambassador Yellitz has announced his retirement; I'm sending you to Washington as our new ambassador. You and Stephen leave immediately."

The End

A Rose Called Miracle: Book 3: The Story of Kari: A two-part Master/slave Story of Love, Loss, Fate and Destiny" will follow soon.