/ Istvan – FC Rob Evans
/ Both images borrowed from their Instagram
/ I own none of these images, all used with love and respect <3
/ Rings – enoirvado / Vegas view – Instagram sin1city / Quotes – all taken from Pinterest and none had credit for where they came from.
Important – My MC is Viktoria Petit, and my King Liam is called King Istvan
Rating – No bad language but it does contain some sensitive topics surrounding pregnancy, pregnancy complications and possibly mental health, so please be aware of that if you think it might affect you negatively, I wouldn’t like to upset anyone.
Disclaimer – Characters are Pixelberry’s, not mine, this is just for fun & I don’t make any money from it.
—
Viktoria sat in her study thumbing through the resumes that Maxwell had asked her to check over for the new Business Manager for the Trust. He’d already whittled them down to around twenty applicants and was determined that Viktoria didn’t get too involved until the very final stages of the process, telling her,
“I’m more than capable of handling this Little Blossom, you just relax and look after that gorgeous bump! Doctor Beaumont’s orders!”
He’d been wonderful. All of their friends had been wonderful, actually. Their kindness and joy had lifted Viktoria immeasurably, to the point that she was actually feeling optimistic about the pregnancy.
Istvan had the spare room next to the master bedroom painted with a fresh coat of white emulsion, and he and Drake had spent an afternoon applying transfers of cute little silver elephants and giraffes over the walls to surprise her. Regina had arranged for beautiful hand-crafted Italian furniture to be shipped in for the nursery: a baby-changing table, little wardrobes and chests of drawers, all in beautiful white with silver detailing. But the piece de resistance of the whole room was the crib. Viktoria’s eyes had actually filled up when she set eyes on it. It was the same dazzling white and silver as the rest of the furniture, but draped around the sides was the most beautiful canopy, made of sheer white fabric, held in place by a beautiful silver star. In the crib sat the Steiff bear that Istvan had purchased on first learning about his little son or daughter, awaiting it’s little playmate to join it for snuggles. Maxwell had bought a sweet little mobile for the baby that played a variety of soothing lullabies, and the small chests of drawers were loaded with a variety of small bootees, hats and cardigans that Cassie had knitted. Inside the wardrobe hung Hana’s gift: she’d had it couriered across from New York a few days ago. Neither Istvan or Viktoria could quite believe that she’d used the leftover fabric from Viktoria’s wedding dress to create a divine christening gown. Their friend had obviously kept back the silk and lace all this time, knowing that she would use it for this very purpose a some point in the future. By the window there was a beautiful rocking chair, ready for night-feeds. A digital photo frame on the window-sill played a rotation of scan photos, the ‘growing bump’ photos Istvan was taking each week, and a collection of beautiful shots of the royal couple with their family and many friends…
Viktoria finished her scrutiny, straightening up the bundle of papers for Max and sending him a quick email advising which candidates she thought were most suitable before shutting down her PC. She was heading into the capital to meet Cassie shortly: the bride-to-be was looking for some ideas for wedding favours for their guests and decorations for the church as the big day approached, so Viktoria had said she would be honoured to help. Viktoria could understand why Drake loved Cass so much – she was a truly beautiful person both inside and out.
It would be a nice day today Viktoria decided as she regarded herself in the mirror, throwing a bright mustard-coloured waterfall cardigan over the loose long sleeved black t-shirt she wearing. She would spend a few hours with Cassie, then meet Istvan back at the palace around three. The twenty-week scan was scheduled for 4pm: just enough time to freshen up, then drive to the hospital. Viktoria’s heart thumped inside her chest as she thought about it, but this time, more of an excited anticipation than a feeling of dread and fear. The queen pulled on a pair of black Uggs over her faded denims giving her an rather boho, autumnal, layered look. She pulled a chunky necklace out of her top drawer, adding it to the ensemble to draw the eye of the onlooker away from her belly. She patted the bump lightly as she whispered,
“No-one would ever know you were there my little love…”,
gathered up her bag and sunglasses and headed downstairs for Cassie’s arrival.
—
After a few of hours wandering around various stores looking at various candles, fairylights and vases,Viktoria felt physically exhausted. She suggested they stop for a coffee as Cassie looked at her closely, concerned,
“Are you feeling ok?”
Viktoria had put a brave face on for the last hour; she had struggled to keep walking and she had a sharp pain deep in her side, that kept stabbing at her and making her feel sick, but Cassie was so excited and they were having such a nice day, Viktoria didn’t want to cut her friend short. The young queen nodded at her friend,
“I’m just feeling a little uncomfortable, I’ll be fine if we sit for a bit…”
As they crossed the street to a small patisserie, Cassie pulled out a chair urging Viktoria to sit down,
“Why didn’t you say something? Do you want me to call Istvan?”
Viktoria shook her head wildly,
“No! I’m fine honestly Cassie, I think I’ve just been on my feet too long. Grab me a cronut for a sugar boost and I’ll be right as rain…”
Cassie eyed her with a worried expression on her face as she fussed,
“Just please tell them about this later today at the hospital Vik, no harm in getting things checked over…”
Viktoria rolled her eyes at her friend as she shooed her in the direction of the counter, her arm wrapped comfortingly around her bump, feeling a little flutter as she did so.
Cassie returned with two cappucinos, one decaff for Viktoria, and a selection of cronuts and pastries. As they chatted and snacked, Cassie couldn’t help but notice Viktoria continuing to hold her stomach.
“Are you still in discomfort?”
Viktoria shrugged at the caring nurse,
“A little…”
Cassie shook her head,
“No Vik, I don’t like this, I think you should see if you can pull your appointment forward, ring Istvan and go now.”
Viktoria shook her head at Cassie,
“I think you’re over-reacting Cassie, I’m fine. I just need to rest for a bit. I think it’s a stitch.”
Cassie reached out and took her friends hand,
“And Mr Kolettis will confirm that is defintely the case sweetie, you don’t look great… You should get checked over. What would Istvan want you to do?”
Viktoria groaned and scrubbed her face with her hands,
“He’d want me to pull the appointment forward… Ok, let me pop to the ladies and then I’ll ring him…”
As Viktoria stood, the sharp pain in her side took her breath away, but she straightened herself up and made her way to the restrooms. When she got there she leaned against the sink: Cassie was right, she didn’t look good. Maybe getting checked over wasn’t such a bad idea afterall… Closing the cubicle door behind her, Viktoria shimmied her jeans and panties down. As she sat, her stomach lurched, realising that there was blood in her underwear. Quickly rearranging her clothing, Viktoria headed back to the table, her face chalk white as she faced Cassie,
“I need to go to now. I’m bleeding Cassie…”
Cassie lurched from the table, grabbing Viktoria’s bag and the keys to Drake’s 4×4 as she ushered her friend outside.
—
TBC – VP 💖
