It was a good thing that Dr. Giles Davies was in permanent residence in Camelot, because it seemed like all the doctors from Edan were remaining there for the Christmas Holidays. Both Dr. Adams and Dr. Helm had chosen to stay with their pregnant partners, feeling the long trek to Camelot would just cause too much undue stress. Dr. Alex Taylor was no different. With only one month to go in her pregnancy, Rhusalka was about ready to burst!
"I'm sorry we couldn't go to Camelot for Christmas, Alex," she told him on Christmas Eve as they lay in bed, cuddled in soft blankets. "I know you wanted to see it."
"Oh love," he said, wrapping his arms around her, his hands instinctively find their way to her swollen belly, "there is no place on earth--or Edan--I'd rather be tonight than right here in our warm bed with you...and our little one."
Fingering her Christmas present--the amethyst pendant that hung around her neck--she turned to face her husband. "I can't wait til she's here. I'm so excited! I wonder who she'll favor most?"
"Well, if the gods are kind, she won't have my nose," Alex replied with a smirk.
Playfully slapping his rear she said, "You guys are always talking about your noses! I happen to think it's a very majestic nose."
"Majestic: Large and impressive in size," he quoted as if reading a dictionary entry.
"Majestic: Having or displaying great dignity or nobility," she countered in much the same way.
Pulling her close and nuzzling her neck, he smiled. "Merry Christmas, love."
***
"Merry Christmas, love," Adam Pierson whispered as the buggy he shared with Jacinda pulled up in front of the Castle in Camelot.
Leaning into his embrace she sighed, "It's beautiful."
If anything could be called a "Winter Wonderland" it was Camelot. Jacinda had never seen anything like it--outside of fairy tales, that is. The huge castle stretched high up into the sky, its snow-capped turrets glistening in the sunshine. Even blanketed in white, the detailed landscaping was lovely. She could hear the murmurs of appreciation from the caravan that had traveled from Edan to spend Christmas in the royal city.
The contingent of knights that had led them to the castle stood like sentinels before them, along with an array of stunning ladies-in-waiting ready to lead them all to their rooms. Suddenly trumpets sounded and a small retinue followed by the King and Queen themselves appeared at the front entrance to the castle. Arthur stood proudly beside his beaming--and very pregnant--Queen as they welcomed all the visitors from Edan.
"Greetings to our friends from Edan," Arthur announced jovially. "My Queen and I are overjoyed that you've decided to celebrate this most blessed holiday in our halls. We've made certain that all your needs will be met during your stay with us. Now we invite you all to join us inside for hot mulled wine to warm your hands and your hearts!"
