"Zipporah, I would like for you to stay put." My protective husband requests. I cross my arms.

"In this suite? Basil, couldn't I be useful?"

"I'm not taking any chances. None." I sigh and nod.

"Fine." He smiles with relief and kisses my forehead.

"I'll try and return in an hour. This consult shouldn't take long."

"Okay." He exits with one last smile my way. I walk over to the lounge area and pull out my phone.

After responding to a few texts from Petra and Felicie, I resume reading an ebook to pass the time. It's all about Eldsteinisch government and Maria assigned it to me, since Kunibert's coronation is coming up in June on his 35th birthday. Because Eldstein is a very new country, the constitutional monarchy is very different in ceremony. The coronation is quick and simple. After official turnover Kunibert and Silke will delegate royal duties out to the family, and name their children as next in line. By then, I won't be considered as much a Princess than a diplomat. Which is fine since I have no interest in royal life.

Two hours later I lift my head in time to see Basil reappear, "Zipporah, you ready to go home?"

"Mmhm." He helps me up and we bid farewell to Octavian. Our bodyguards flank us. The drive home is silent. Both of us are exhausted. Since we both started at RI to evade publicity, we've been ragged. I don't deal as much with Basil's business, but I work my butt off interpreting and translating. I also help with admin now. Octavian has been great with keeping me busy.

"Tired?"

"Ja..," I yawn. As if in agreement, our son kicks. He isn't hyperactive but he's sensitive to stimuli, "He agrees."

"Does he?"

"Ja." Basil grins and reaches over, endearingly stroking my baby bump, which isn't very big yet. The baby kicks again and I giggle.

"I love that laughter, I'm sure that he'll have your laugh." Blushing, I take his hand and place it back on the steering wheel.

"Pay attention to driving. You can have cuddle time once we get home."

"Natürlich!" The mood lightens up and I turn on the radio. We start singing along.

The music and our voices drown out my ringtone. When I recognize my phone buzzing, that's when I turn the music down and look at the caller ID. Rosine?

"What is it?"

"Shh!" I answer, "Hallo?"

"Princess Zipporah, where are you and Prince Basil?"

"About two streets away from the house. Why? Is something wrong?" Her voice is shaky and I hear the voices of the other house staff in the background.

"I went to check your mail just a little while ago... and... I..."

"Rosine, what was there?!"

"U-um... I..."

"We'll be there in a minute."

"Yes, Ma'am."

I hangup then call Benedikta to let her know. Basil speeds up a little and grips the wheel, fear terminating the happy warmth from before.

Rosine greets us and we hurry inside. As security sweeps the grounds, she shows us the cause of her distress. I gasp, covering my mouth.

It's a doll which resembles me, beaten up and covered in red, especially over her stomach. There's a knife in her hands too. Also stained red, but aimed towards her stomach. My free arm wraps tightly around my belly and I rock back.

"T-There's a note too..." Basil takes it from her. Seconds later he's delivering orders and telling me to get to the bedroom before I faint.

I blink and I'm on my side upon the kitchen floor. Basil has my head in his lap and Rosine is wiping my face with a cold rag. I must have fainted, "Are you okay, Zipporah?"

"Yeah..."

"Why didn't you go to our room when I asked you to?"

"I..."

"Nevermind. I caught you before any damage could be done. Let's get you to bed." He tsks and pulls me up. Rosine helps me upstairs and I fall into bed.

"I hope this stops soon." I groan and pass out.

Happy New Year! Thanks for reading! Please comment below and vote!

~Uilosris