It was a beautiful day, the sun shining softly through the trees as Indy, glowing with life and grace, hummed a gentle melody. One hand rested protectively on her rounded belly, which carried the precious life growing inside her, while the other hand tended lovingly to the roses. The garden around her bloomed with vibrant colors, each flower more brilliant than the next, as she watered them with care.
She smiled down at her belly, caressing it tenderly. "Look, baby," she whispered. "Mama's favorite rose is about to bloom." As if in response, she felt a small flutter—a gentle kick inside her. Her eyes lit up with excitement. "Maybe tomorrow… or maybe today, before the evening!"
Just as she spoke, the sky darkened unexpectedly. Indy looked up, puzzled. The sun was still shining, but drops of rain began to fall. "What on earth…" she murmured, turning toward the house as the rain grew heavier. She hurried inside their cozy cottage, feeling the warmth as she shut the door behind her.
But something strange caught her attention. Indy turned back toward the window, her eyes widening in disbelief. The rain wasn't ordinary—it was filled with colors. Every droplet shimmered with the hues of the rainbow, as if the sky itself had been painted with vibrant strokes. She blinked several times, unable to trust her eyes. Slowly, she reached out and touched her shoulder, where a drop had landed when she was outside. It felt normal, just like any other rain… but the sight outside was anything but.
A loud clap of thunder echoed through the sky, and she flinched, startled by the sudden noise. But just as she was about to step away, a sharp, stabbing pain shot through her belly. Indy gasped, her face paling. "Louis!" she cried out, clutching her stomach.
Louis, who had been busy closing the windows, heard her scream and rushed to her side in a panic. "Honey! What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. He asked again and again, but Indy could barely respond, her breath shallow. Without wasting another second, Louis scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed, his heart racing.
"Stay with me, honey," he pleaded, brushing her hair back from her face as he tried to wake her. "Carrie, wake up… please!" He grabbed some water, gently trying to rouse her, but her eyes remained closed. Desperation filled him as he called her name over and over.
Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open. She looked up at him, her gaze distant and confused. Louis let out a sigh of relief, his voice trembling with emotion. "Honey, it's morning already," he said, forcing a smile as he kissed her forehead and then gently kissed her belly. "Wake up, my love. Our little one will be here soon."
She smiled faintly, though something still lingered in her expression. "Oh, dear… just a few more days, and we'll be holding our little one in our arms," she whispered, resting a hand on her belly.
Louis grinned, his heart filled with joy. "Yes, I'm so happy. Come on now, let me help you get freshened up," he said, guiding her up with care.
They sat together at the breakfast table, where a royal spread of food awaited them. But She barely touched her plate. She felt uneasy, the remnants of her strange dream still haunting her thoughts. Louis noticed and leaned in, concerned. "Honey, what's wrong? Do you need something?"
She hesitated, then softly replied, "Call the doctor, please. I don't know why… but I've been feeling strange since this morning."
Louis immediately touched her forehead, his expression turning serious. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I'll call him right away."
At noon, the royal doctor, Master Louis, renowned for his expertise in Astrology and medicine, entered the grand palace. The guards escorted him through the regal halls until he reached the study room, where the Queen awaited him. He knocked gently and stepped inside, bowing with respect.
"Good afternoon, Your Highness," he greeted her with a warm smile. "How may I assist you? Is everything alright?"
The Queen, sitting by the window with a far-off look in her eyes, turned to him slowly. "Doctor, I have an important question. It's strange—so strange."
The doctor straightened his posture, sensing the weight in her voice. "Your Highness, you can ask me anything. I will help you until my last breath."
Her gaze softened. "You're the only one I trust, Cloud . You said that you've watched me grow up—you practically raised me. I've known you since I was a child." She paused, her voice trembling .
Cloud interrupted gently, sensing urgency in her tone. "Your Highness, I do need to know what's troubling you, as I have other duties to attend to as well."
The Queen's expression fell. Her heart stung with his words, and her voice cracked as she whispered, "How... how rude! You promised me nothing would change between us—even if I got married. Was that a lie?"
"Your High—" Cloud began to speak but was cut off.
"Stop calling me that!" she shouted, her voice breaking into sobs. "Please, I beg you. Don't call me that anymore!"
Cloud sighed, his resolve softening. "Carrie... don't cry. It's not good for the child, for the future ruler."
Wiping her tears, Queen Carrie nodded, though her heart was still in turmoil. "Cloud , listen. Yesterday, I dreamt something strange—so strange I can't make sense of it." She began to describe the dream, her words rushing out. "I was... close to the King. So close. But I don't love him, Cloud . I've tried, after what you said. But why was I so close to him in the dream? And the rainbow water droplets... What did they mean? Why did I say, 'Maybe tomorrow,' or, 'By evening'? It doesn't make sense!"
Louis listened carefully, his eyes narrowing in thought. After she finished, he spoke softly, "Carrie, do you remember what I told you on your wedding day?"
Flashback
It was a bright day in the kingdom, the air filled with festivity. As the young bride stood adorned in her royal gown, nervousness danced in her eyes. Cloud , standing by her side, leaned in and whispered words of comfort.
"This marriage is not about love, Carrie. It is about duty. But in time, perhaps love will find its way. You must be patient, for the sake of the kingdom... and for yourself."
---
Back in the present, Carrie's eyes glistened with the memory. "You told me that... but now... I don't know if I can wait any longer."
Queen Carrie paced the room, her heart heavy with confusion, her hands trembling as she reached out to Cloud. "Cloud, listen," she began, her voice cracking. "I don't care about the others, about the kingdom, or any of this! Please, let's run away from here. I love you more than anyone, and I can't imagine spending my life with someone who isn't you. I want to live with you, and when the time comes, die in your arms."
Cloud, ever calm, looked at her with tender eyes. "Carrie, the future is beautiful. You have to trust in God's plan. Every being in this universe has a fate, and ours—ours is warm, I promise you."
Carrie shook her head, frustration rising in her voice. "Beautiful? How can you say that? Are you out of your mind? You know the kingdom's rules as well as I do! The Queen must give birth to the future ruler within the first year of marriage. I can't give myself to just anyone!" Her voice broke with anger and fear.
Cloud gently took her hands, his grip firm yet soft. "Carrie, you are my fate. Believe me, I swear to you, our future will be beautiful. Nothing will ever change between us—not today, not tomorrow, not ever."
---
Present Day
In the study, Carrie's eyes were distant as she recalled Cloud's words. "I remember every word. Yes... yes, I do," she whispered, her hands resting protectively on her belly.
Cloud , now standing at her side as the royal doctor, sighed. "The day has come, Carrie."
Her eyes snapped to him. "What day?"
Cloud couldn't help but chuckle. "You're interrupting me again," he teased gently.
Carrie whined softly, crossing her arms. "Whatever!"
With a knowing smile, Cloud said, "You're carrying a baby, yet you still whine like one yourself." He chuckled. "Soon, Carrie. You'll be delivering today, or maybe tomorrow."
Carrie's eyes widened. "It's only been eight months, though!"
Cloud raised a single eyebrow, his arms crossed as he looked at her with amusement. He thought to himself, Her mood swings... she was crying just five minutes ago, and now she's whining like a child.
Sensing the awkwardness, Carrie cleared her throat and awkwardly gestured for him to continue. "Go on..."
Cloud smiled again and spoke, his voice calm. "Your dream—it doesn't mean anything. It's just a sign that even if you deliver early, your child will be a blessing. Healthy, strong, and blessed by the gods."
Carrie sighed, still unsure but comforted by his words. The weight of the kingdom and her dreams bore down on her, but at least now, she could hold onto the hope Clouf had offered her.