Chapter Twelve

The castle was a place of both grandeur and mystery, a fitting backdrop for the extraordinary events that were unfolding.

As I stood there, pushing the swing, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the little girl before me. Her laughter was like music, filling the air with joy.

“Push me higher, Momma!” she giggled, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Not too high, Aurora. I don’t want you to fall off,” I said, my heart swelling with love and protectiveness.

The dream was so vivid, so real, that it lingered in my mind even as I woke up. A wave of nausea washed over me, and I barely made it to the bathroom in time.

Charles was by my side in an instant, his concern evident. “Have a bug, my sweet Mary?” he asked, his brow furrowed with worry. “No, I think based on my dream, I may be pregnant!” I exclaimed, the realization hitting me like a bolt of lightning.

I told him about the little girl in my dream, how beautiful she was, and how she felt so real. Charles’ face lit up with joy. “You have made me the happiest man in the world,” he said, kissing me tenderly. “I must go; we have a wedding to get ready for.”

Excitement coursed through me as I jumped out of bed and ran to Lisa’s room. I had to tell her about my dream and the incredible news. Rain and Rosie arrived shortly after, ready to help us prepare for the big day.

This time, instead of ball gowns, we were getting into wedding dresses. Lisa looked absolutely stunning in her chosen dress, her hair styled in elegant black ringlets with a tiara and veil completing the look.

My own hair was a cascade of red curls, adorned with a crown and veil. “You ladies look breathtaking,” Rain said, tears glistening in her eyes. “Weddings make her emotional!” Rosie chuckled.

Our mother entered the room, her eyes filled with pride and love. “Are you girls ready for me to give you away?” she asked, her voice trembling with emotion. We nodded, linking our arms with hers as she led us down the stairs and through the grand hall to the Royal chapel.

The doors opened to reveal a sea of faces, all rising to their feet as the bridal march played. The chapel was adorned with flowers and candles, creating a magical atmosphere. At the end of the aisle stood Charles and Randall, their eyes fixed on us with anticipation.

The ceremony was a blur of emotions. The priest’s voice was soft and reverent as he asked, “Who gives these two women away to these princes today?” There was a moment of silence before our mother spoke, her voice breaking. “Their father and I do.”

The priest nodded, and everyone took their seats. Charles and I joined hands, our vows flowing from our hearts. “I now pronounce for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Denali,” the priest declared. The crowd erupted in cheers, and rice rained down on us as we made our way down the aisle and out the doors.

Two limos awaited us. “What’s this?” I asked, surprised. Charles just smiled. “We are going on a honeymoon. Our bags are already packed.” I kissed him, overwhelmed with happiness. “You have made me the happiest woman alive.”

Our honeymoon in Costa Rica was a dream come true, but my sickness persisted, cutting our trip short. Back at the castle, Charles arranged for me to see the Royal doctor. After a series of tests, the news was confirmed: I was pregnant.

The joy we felt was indescribable. Lisa and Randall returned a few weeks later with their own news—Lisa was pregnant too, though not as far along as I was. At a little over six weeks, I was already starting to show.

The months flew by, and my due date approached. Noah, now a year old and just starting to walk, was going to have little cousins to play with. I spent most of my time in a rocking chair, my thoughts consumed with the future.

Charles and Lisa often visited, her belly growing alongside mine. “You look beautiful, darling,” Charles would say, kissing me tenderly. “Reading my thoughts again,” I would laugh. Lisa, though excited, was also nervous. “Mar, the doctor thinks I could have twins,” she confided, her voice tinged with fear. “That’s wonderful!” I reassured her with a smile.

As we were chatting, I felt a warm, sticky sensation run down my leg, followed by waves of pain. “Oh, Charles, I think it’s time!” I screamed.

Charles scooped me up and rushed me to the doctor’s corridors. After hours of labor, surrounded by my loved ones, the doctor finally handed me a beautiful baby girl. “It’s a girl,” he announced.

With tears of joy, I looked at everyone and said, “Meet Aurora Rose Denali.”As I kissed her forehead, I foresaw the incredible things she would accomplish.

After all, she is the daughter of Bloody Mary.