Grace awakened from her sleep in even greater pain than the first time. Her back was hurting, her throat was scratched and she was not exactly able to move. She bit her lip as she turned onto her side to keep quiet. Guilt had gotten to her, but not as bad as the pain had. Grace sat up and covered herself with the blanket and oil her head down into her knees. It was the worst pain in the world and it only got worst once she sat up because had gained a headache. Michael had awakened to find Grace with her head buried into her knees.

Michael: Good morning Grace.. What is wrong?

Grace wanted to answer, but she just shook her head. Michael sat up in pain also. He bit his lip because of the pain in his hips and back.

Michael: Will you speak to me?

Grace shook her head again. Michael lifted up her head and saw her wet face.

Michael: Grace, why are you crying?

Grace still could not answer him. He wiped her tears away and kissed her.

Michael: Do not cry Grace.. Are you in pain as well?

Grace nodded.

Michael: Where?

Grace held her throat, touched her back, pointed to her head, rubbed her shoulders and bit her lip as she looked down before turning away from him. Michael sighed and covered his face.

Michael: I am so sorry Grace. I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to be that rough with you. Are you hurting anywhere else?

Grace slowly nodded after a while.

Michael: Where?

Grace couldn't explain it. She was so embarrassed about it and couldn't possibly just tell him where. So she just laid there and stayed quiet.

Michael: Grace, please. You must tell me.

Grace shook her head but it only caused more trouble as she gripped the blankets. Michael moved closer to her and put his arm around her as he looked at her.

Michael: Please.. I will have to start guessing if you do not tell me.

Grace's eyes flew open. That was the last thing she wanted. She didn't want him to guess correctly and she definitely didn't want him touching her. She felt the sheets under the blanket move and then she felt his hand on her hip.

Michael: Here?

Grace bit her lip in fear as he moved his hand again. He went down her leg and then stopped again.

Michael: What about here?

Grace shook her head. His hand came back up and touched her stomach.

Michael: Does this hurt?

Grace shook her head again and then his hand began to go down slowly. Grace stopped his hand before it got there. She looked at him and he knew.

Michael: Oh.. Grace. I never meant to hurt you. I am sorry I made you uncomfortable with me and I hope there is something I can do to make you feel better.

Grace shook looked at him for a while and then shook her head while turning away from him again. Michael sighed as he rubbed his face with his hands. He then had an idea. He went over to Grace and began to rub her shoulders. He kissed them before moving on to her back. By then, Grace was laying on her stomach. Michael kissed her back multiple times in different places as he worked his way down to her hips. He was stopped by her placing her hands on his.

Michael: What is it?

Grace shook her head and turned over too quickly. She had forgotten she had on no clothes. She quickly covered herself with her hands as she tried to pull the sheets over her. Michael stopped her and tried to get her to remove her hands. Grace was set on covering herself and Michael got off of her.

Michael: Grace, I believe that you are very beautiful. I wish you could see what I see.

Grace Thought about it and then turned towards him with her head down. Michael brought her closer to him and just held her.

Michael: I love you.

Grace couldn't say it back and she longed to. She figured if she kissed him, he would know the same. So she did. A quick kiss made them blush and Michael to smile. Grace got comfortable in his arms and then it occurred to her about the time. She opened her eyes and sat up immediately. Michael did the same once she sat up.

Michael: What is wrong Grace?

Grace started freaking out and doing a bunch of gestures referring to time. Michael just didn't get it.

Michael: Baby, baby. Please calm down and break it to me slowly, alright? What do you want?

Grace pointed to her wrist multiple times and stared at Michael with wide eyes. Michael nodded in understanding.

Michael: Why did you not say this before?

Grace's jaw dropped and she turned onto her stomach before holding one finger to him.

Michael: Grace.. What. What are you doing?

Grace held the finger up and then put her face into the pillow in frustration. She hit the bed with her fists in frustration for a while and then stopped. Michael became worried.

Michael: Grace.. A-are you okay?

Grace looked up at him with a smile on her face and nodded. Then she put her face back into the pillow. Michael looked at her for a while and then he touched her back.

Michael: I believe it is very much past noon..

Grace didn't budge. She wanted to make at least one sound from her lips. A groan, a whimper.. Even a whisper would be enough for her.

Michael: Grace, will you look at me?

Grace breathed out and then turned towards him. Michael kissed her once he saw her face and then smiled at her. Grace wanted to say a million things at this point. She just stared at him for a long time and waited to see if he had gotten her message.

Michael: Grace, I believe I know what is crossing your mind right now.

Grace crossed her arms.

Michael: I think you would mention not being pregnant right now if you could speak.

Grace nodded and he sighed.

Michael: But you overslept today..

Grace shrugged and rolled her eyes.

Michael: No, not everyone over sleeps honey.

Grace began to think about what she'd say to him. I have over slept before.. Just.. Not this late before. Then she began to think deeper on the subject about what Lucy said. First, the mood swings.. Now, I am over sleeping.. Please, do not allow me to throw up.. Please.. Then the denial began. What have I got to worry about? I am not with child. I am just tired from last night.. and the night before..

Michael: Grace!

Grace looked at him with an alarmed expression. Michael began to laugh. Grace was confused.

Michael: What were you thinking about?

As if I can actually open my mouth and tell you.. Peachy.. Grace glared at him.

Michael: Oh.. Right. Sorry.

Grace sat up with the blanket to her chest and cradled her arms like she was holding a baby. Then she made a semi-circle around her stomach before she shook her head no.

Michael: You had a debate on if you are with child or not?

Grace clapped once and pointed to him as she nodded. Michael looked down at his hands.

Michael: Oh.. Grace.. Do you want a baby?

Grace bit her lip as she looked away from him.

Michael: Why not? Grace.. A baby shall not ruin us, but strengthen our love. A baby is a big step, I know this. But I believe I am ready for one.

Grace quickly looked at him and crossed her arms. You may be ready for a child, but I am not.. She thought as she made gestures.

Michael: But think about the possibilities. What if you are? Then what? Are you just not going to care for them? What are you going to do when they arrive here?

Grace shook her head as she covered her ears. Michael uncovered them after her trying to keep him away from her. So, he removed her hands and held her down.

Michael: Grace, this is a issue we must talk about. Do you not want children?

Grace looked away from him. Michael sighed in disbelief.

Michael: Wow..

He said as he removed himself from her.

Michael: I thought you wanted a future with me.

Well whatever happened to if I am happy, you are happy? I do not want a child right now! Grace shook her head before forcing herself out of bed.

Michael: Now where are you going?

Grace slipped on her work clothes and leaned against the door as she crossed her arms. What does it look like?

Michael: You are off duty today.

Grace looked at him confused. Since when? Michael smiled.

Michael: A little bird told me you were off for today.

And whom is this bird? Grace thought.

Michael: Grace.. When I want you to leave, I shall tell you.

Grace just stood there.

Michael: Come back here.. Come on.. Get over here.

He said the last one sternly and Grace began to slowly walk over to him. Michael made the sign that told her to come to him once more. Grace bent down to his level and he kissed her. Grace glared at him.

Michael: Fix it baby. I do no want my wife-to-be to be mad.

Grace forced a smile and then gave him her straight face again. That royalty has gone to his head.. He thinks he owns me!.. Bad example.. He sorta does already.. I am, after all, his servant.. Personal servant.. She grumbled in her head. Michael used the time she used to think to turn her around and have her sit on him. Grace looked at him with a surprised expression.

Michael: Grace.. Fix it.. Fix baby, fix it.

Grace removed his hands from around her waist and rolled over to her side of the bed.

Michael: Grace?

Grace looked at him.

Michael: I feel like I am doing something wrong.. But I do not know what it is.

Grace was confused.

Michael: To you.. I have wronged you.

Grace shook her head and then sat up.

Michael: I apologize for the wrong I have done.

Grace looked at him blankly before getting out of the bed and leaving him there. Michael sighed and laid back down. Grace went to get to work. She began to serve breakfast to all the royals. She knocked on Jermaine's door and no one answered. She opened the door and closed it immediately. She set the food down in front of the door and tried to erase the horrid scene from her mind. She should've known not to go in if he had not answered.

She saw Jermaine laying beside Alice with his face down and arm across her chest. Alice had no clothes and no blanket covering her. Grace left immediately and went to get her & Michael's plates. But while she was down there, Grace was greeted by Lucy.

Lucy: Well good morning miss Queen-to-be.

Grace smiled at her and Lucy stopped her.

Lucy: Are you going to reply?

Grace bit her lip and looked to the side. She set the trays down and they touched her throat before shaking her head. Lucy only grinned.

Lucy: So, he did major damage to you and now you cannot speak.. How lovely..

Grace was nervous now. She grabbed the trays but Lucy stopped her once more.

Lucy: Have a seat dear. Talk to me.. Oh sorry. It slipped my mind already. Then just listen.

Grace looked back and forth from the kitchen door and Lucy. Lucy pulled her to the table and sat her down.

Lucy: Sit.

Grace sat down and twiddled her fingers.

Lucy: Grace.. Shake your head to my questions and answer me with the truth. Got it?

Grace nodded slowly. Lucy smiled.

Lucy: Good.. Then let us begin.. Are you with child?

Grace began to shake her head but then just shrugged.

Lucy: Have you thrown up?

Grace shook her head.

Lucy: Have you had anymore mood swings?

Grace shrugged and then thought about it before nodding.

Lucy: Have you been feeling different lately?

Grace nodded.

Lucy: Did you overslept today?

Grace slowly nodded.

Lucy: You only have a few more days. If you throw up, you are with child.

Grace shook her head and put her head down.

Lucy: What is wrong? Do you not want children?

Grace shook her head after pointing down. Then she pointed to her wrist and shrugged.

Lucy: Not right now, but later?

Grace nodded.

Lucy: You do realize that you walk differently now, right?

Grace shrugged.

Lucy: Where is Alice?

Grace froze.

Lucy: Do you know where she is?

Grace slowly nodded..

Lucy: Take me there.

Grace shook her head.

Lucy: No? What do you mean, no?

Grace looked down and shook her head slowly.

Lucy: Take me to her..

Lucy said slowly. Grace got up and acted like she was cutting her throat. This meant she wouldn't do it no matter what.

Lucy: Grace.. I have permission to ruin you. I can make Michael hate you even more than he loves you.. If you want to keep your love going, take me or tell me..

Lucy said into her ear. Grace let a tear fall with a straight face. She held up her hand and pointed to the door. Then she acted as if she were placing a crown on her head. She kissed two of her fingertips and ran it down her arm and then made a heart with her hands.

Lucy: Prince LaJune has her in her room and has seduced her into his bed again?

Grace was shocked. She had no clue that her gestures would work. She nodded. Lucy went down there for herself and saw what Grace had seen. She went straight up to Alice and had covered her body with the sheets. Jermaine had no idea how badly she wanted to hurt him. After getting her pregnant and leaving her alone, he messes with Grace and then goes back to Alice. What sick fool would do that?

Lucy left with tears in her eyes and no hope for her daughter in her heart. Why could she have chosen someone better? Prince Sigmund surely would've been a better choice for her. Or perhaps Marlon.. But what is done, is done. There was nothing left for her to do but to let Alice learn from her mistake.. Just as she had when she was born.. Her last wish was to have Alice go through the same thing she did..

The only thing that's truly sad is the truth.. The truth about Alice's father.. Grace know if she should stay or go. She took the plates after a while and decided to leave. Grace was I. the middle of the hallway when she saw Lucy coming down the hall crying. Grace wanted to comfort her but her heart was set on comforting Michael too.. In this case, Grace had to decide.. Grace shook her head and went back to the kitchen.

Lucy: No.. Leave me.

Grace sat down next to her and hugged her. Lucy was stiff at first and then she let herself go. She wept in Grace's arms about Alice and then caught Grace's attention about her mistake.

Lucy: I cannot believe this! She slept with him! Him! Of all the others in the palace, she had to choose him!

Grace wanted to advise her, just as she had done her so many years ago. She wanted to say, You cannot help love..

Lucy: She acts just like me and this is what I feared the most..

What could you possibly mean? You are a great mother to her..

Lucy: I am so ashamed.. Grace.. I have a confession to make..

Grace took in a deep breath and prepared for the worst.

Lucy: I made a mistake years ago.. When I was first brought here. I worked for the King & Queen.. They were having problems and then one day, the Queen went away to see about her father whom was ill..

Grace was very in tune to Lucy's story.

Lucy: I went to serve the King breakfast one day and he grabbed me by the hand.. He looked at me and said such sweet words to me.. He said, My precious servant, your beauty is unmatched.. I have fallen for you. Your ways excite me and I long for you to be with me. And so.. I looked at him..

Lucy reached out to nothing, but in her mind, she was touching the King's face.

Lucy: I looked at our hands and said, Sire.. Are you not married? Are you not happy? Is this not forbidden for us to do this? Surely a servant girl like me cannot make you happy. He shook his head and then I saw it.. The sorrow that shone in his eyes. Then he thought about it before letting me go. You are right.. I must be ill.. He said. And so I went and came back at dinner time. I thought he was asleep, but he was not. I set his dinner down on his nightstand and.. And when I stood up..

Lucy got teary eyed again.

Lucy: When I stood, I turned around and he was standing.. Right there in front of me. I looked at him in fear and then the only words that passed my lips were his name.. Sire.. I said just before he pulled me close and kissed me. He laid me down and began to kiss my.. My neck and lips.

She covered her face.

Lucy: He had me lay with him.. And when he was finished with me, he sent me out and bolted the door after me. I was so sad. I had secretly loved him and he took advantage of me. The Queen returned and I became pregnant. I hid it from the King as long as I could. Then one day, he was alone again. He saw my stomach and just shook his head. He said, You can never appear in my sight like this ever again. You were never in this room with me and I will not marry you. You may stay here if you choose to, but you will not appear in my sight ever again. My heart was broken.

Lucy stood and walked towards the door.

Lucy: They continued to have their children and Jermaine was just a baby at the time we had our altercation.. I cared for him until I became pregnant.

Grace didn't know what to say. She only had one thing running though her mind.

Lucy: Alice is the King's daughter..

Alice is sleeping with her brother! Grace thought.

Lucy: Alice & Jermaine are.. Brother and sister.

Grace's eyes widened and she had not a clue what to say. Thank goodness she had no voice. She went to the door and began to fiddle with the knob.

Lucy: Grace.. Do me a favor.. Keep your mouth shut about this.

Grace nodded and left. She came back in to get the cold plates of food and then continued to Michael's chambers. She tried to wipe the shock off of her face but failed miserably. When she had walked inside  the room, Michael sat up.

Michael: Grace! Where did you go?

Grace blinked and then handed him his plate. This palace has some major secrets.. She thought to herself.

Michael: Thank you.. Grace? What is wrong? Why does your face stay stuck on one expression?

Grace blinked her eyes again and shook her head.

Michael: Honey.. What is wrong? Can you speak now?

Grace tried to clear her throat but it was still scratchy for her. She didn't dare try to speak. She shook her head.

Michael: Try.

Grace shook her head and then began to eat fast. She purposely stuffed her mouth to avoid anymore questions from him. Michael laughed slightly at her humor.

Michael: Are you really that hungry? Your appetite is really starting to pick up.

Grace swallowed her food and then smiled at him nervously.

Michael: You are silly.

Grace continued to eat and was finished before Michael. She had to admit that she was still hungry but was confused since breakfast usually satisfied her. Maybe because she hadn't eaten since yesterday.. Or maybe she was growing..

Michael: Grace. When you get your voice back, you must tell me absolutely everything. I just want to hear your voice. I do not care if you say a bunch of nothing, I just want to hear you speak.

Grace nodded as she looked down.

Michael: Grace.. I know you may be doubting now. But when we are married, we shall be happy together. I promise.

Grace nodded and faked a smile.

Michael: I love you.

Grace nodded because she hadn't heard him. She was too focused on what Lucy had told her. Michael made her look into his eyes and then it occurred to him that there was something more that was wrong with Grace.

Michael: Grace, do you trust me?

Grace nodded.

Michael: Then trust me when you can speak and tell me what occupies your mind.

Grace's eyes widened and she began to shake her head. Slowly at first, then faster as she began to slip away from him, mentally. There seemed to be circles forming around Michael's face and he seemed to be moving away from her without actually moving. Grace saw two of him and then he began to disappear into darkness. Everything was black and Grace wandered off into the black hole she saw.

Michael saw her actions. He noticed when she went into her own world again. Michael said her name and waved his hand in front of her but nothing worked. She began to sway one way as if she were about to fall and then she would go the other way before catching herself. She went cross eyed and and began to tilt again. Michael became even more worried about her.

Michael: Grace.. Grace, baby. What is wrong?

Grace couldn't hear him at all. She was completely gone. She stopped moving and she became extra quiet. Michael just barely touched her shoulder when she fell backwards but Michael caught her before she hit the floor. He held her close to him and examined her. He opened her eyes and saw nothing but the whites of her eyes. He felt her skin but found no problem. She was normal. He tapped her hand and lightly tapped her face. He shook her and talked to her but nothing worked.

Michael: Grace! Grace, baby wake up.

He jumped out of bed and began to dress himself. He  went to find help for Grace. Lucy was the only one who knew her well and came to see about her. He came into the kitchen without warning and saved Lucy from using a knife to cut herself..

Michael: No!

He held her hand away from her and took the knife from her.

Michael: My God woman, do you have a death wish?

Lucy began to cry. Michael shook his head.

Michael: Oh God.. Lucy, I have an emergency.. Grace is in some sort of zone and will not wake up!

Lucy: Grace? She was just here.

Michael: But now she is not..

Lucy lead the way out as Michael began explaining everything.

Lucy: Tell me what exactly is going on with her.. She is the only family I have left.

Michael: She was just sitting on the bed and then she began to sway to each side periodically. They she went cross eyed and began to tilt more often and came closer to the point of falling. Then she stopped completely and she fell backwards but I caught her. Now I can only see the whites of her eyes, she will not respond and her temperature is normal.

Lucy stopped.

Lucy: If her temperature is normal, why would you tell me like something is wrong with that?

Michael: I.. I do not know.. I apologize.

They went inside the room and saw Grace sitting up, but something was definitely wrong with her. She was staring at nothing and something at the same time.

Lucy: She is in the zone again.. She had this issue when you and her were apart.. But this..

Michael: Is she dangerous?

Lucy: Not all the time..

Michael: Is that.. Good?

Lucy went over to Grace and touched her hair. She moved it behind her ear, then began to whisper to her.

Lucy: Grace, hear what I say. Come back to me. Listen to my voice and follow it. Open your eyes and come back to me.

Grace began to become like mud and acted lifeless as she continued to speak to her.

Michael: What is happening to her?

Lucy: She is in too deep of thought. She is lost in her own mind..

Michael: Will she be the same?

Lucy: When she returns, she shall be as if she had never left.

Michael: May I.. Touch her?

Lucy: You want to hold her. I do not believe that will help, but you may try.

Michael was very afraid but took Grace into his arms like she were a child and began to speak to her mentally.

Michael: How long will she stay like this?

Lucy: Last time, it lasted for hours. But it happened everyday for those three days.

Michael: Was it longer or shorter each time?

Lucy: I believe it has gotten shorter each time.

Michael: Will she remember me?

Lucy: Yes. Like she did when you brought her back.

Michael: Then I shall try the same techniques.

He touched her hand and lightly touched her face. Then he kissed her passionately. He hugged her body and then she came back after an hour. Michael was holding her while lying down. She was laying on his chest. Lucy had stayed the whole time trying to help bring her back again.

Lucy: Prince Michael?

Michael: Please, call me Michael.

Lucy nodded.

Lucy: Michael.. Grace loves you so much.

Michael: I know she does.. And I do too.

Lucy: Did she seem a little off when she came in the room?

Michael: Yes.. Very.. I had asked her about it, but she would not budge.

Lucy: I had told her something very important and asked her to keep it between us.

Michael: Enlighten me.

Lucy: With all due respect, I must say no. What I tell her is my business..

Michael: Alright.

Michael looked at Grace and kissed her forehead.

Lucy: Michael..

Michael: Yes?

Lucy: I notice signs that Grace is denying.. Just know that I am watching and that she is, in fact, with child..

Michael smiled.

Michael: You hear that Grace? You are pregnant with my child.

He felt her move and then he saw her moving.

Lucy: I should leave now.

Michael: Why? She is waking up..

Lucy: That is the issue..

Michael: What ever do you mean?

Lucy: She may want you again like she did a few days ago.

Michael: She did not.. Okay, she said she wanted to.. But she also wanted to wait. I was the one who acted on her.

Lucy: She is turning into a woman and I know that she in pregnant..

Grace opened her eyes and stared at them.. She had never looked like this before.

Michael: Grace! Baby I love you so much.. You are my life and I love you.

He said as he hugged her. She said nothing and just stared at Lucy.

Lucy: I was just leaving Grace.

Grace held up her hand and signaled for Lucy to come to her. Grace whispered to her and Lucy left immediately after that.

Michael: What did you say?

Grace tilted her head sideways and grinned.

Michael: I am so glad you are back.

Grace nodded and sat up. Michael did so also and couldn't even get a word out before Grace began to kiss him. The kiss was different to him though. Michael touched her and pulled her away from him.

Michael: Grace, why are you..

She shushed him and pushed him backwards. She unbuttoned his shirt and kissed the side of his neck. She got off the bed and disappeared. Michael was very surprised at her actions towards him and went after her. She was on her way up to her room and closed the door behind her. Michael came in and closed the door behind himself.

Michael: Grace, speak to me. Can you speak?

Grace: I can talk.

Michael: Good. Now explain what is going on.

Grace smiled at him.

Michael: Grace..

Grace had a moment of silence and then zoned out again. She fell back onto her bed and after a moment, she opened her eyes.

Michael: Grace?

Grace: Prince Michael? Why are you in here?

Michael: I followed you here.

Grace: Are you sure you did it carry me?

He laughed.

Michael: Very.

Grace looked at him and then stood up.

Michael: Grace.. Do you remember about us?

Grace: What is there to remember?

Michael: We are getting married.. Do you remember that?

Grace: I.. I do. I remember sitting in your room and then you began  get far away before you disappeared. I was scared.. It was very dark but I saw something.

Michael: What did you see sweetheart?

Grace: I saw Princess Lisa.. There was a man and they kissed. She called him.. Something.. His name started with a D.. He looked a little like you.

Michael: Really? Wow.. Grace, do you remember talking to Lucy?

Grace: I am not to speak of it.

Michael: Does your throat still hurt?

Grace: A little.. What happened to you?

Michael: What do you mean?

Grace: Why is your shirt open?

Michael laughed before he began to grin.

Michael: You did it. Not me.

Grace: I did? No.. I did no such thing.

Michael: You got on me and began to kiss me before you ripped it open and kissed my neck. Then you left. You walked in here and I followed. You kissed me, then had a moment before you came back..

Grace: Lucy had  a similar experience like that. She said I would zone out and then I would come back talking about nothing she could understand before going and coming back again.

Michael: Does this happen often?

Grace: I do not know.

Michael: Okay.. You scared me for a moment. You played dead for an hour.

Grace: I did? Wow..

Michael: Maybe you should lay down.

Grace: No, I do not wish to.

Michael: Then stay close to me.

He took her to his room again and had her lay down.

Michael: I shall be back. Do not go anywhere. Alright?

Grace: Where are you off to?

Michael: The kitchen. I want a drink.

Michael went and returned with a glass of blood red grape juice. He set it beside the bed and gathered Grace into his arms. He thought about everything going on with Grace. He sighed.

Michael: You have more problems than any good book does.. I wish I could find a cure for you so you would be well. He kissed her head and looked at the ceiling. What a day..