The red glow of Girao Nutu had been growing weaker. A tall woman with eyes of deep turquoise and hair the color of caramel, stared through the stained glass window, watching the hustle and bustle of a Saturday morning in the castle square. Everyone was rushing around trying to finish their errands before the day was done. Things needed to be put in order today, so everyone could be at the docks tomorrow. No shop would be open tomorrow in honor of the special day.
She sighed, soon, she would leave this all behind for a lonely tower on the tiny island of Bedigo. Living in that tower, away from the people, just when they needed answers. Everyone thinks it is good for a queen to get away form her problems for awhile, but Rosalinda loved being here, amidst the ever changing castle. Besides, going to Bedigo would only bring her closer to her problem and remind her of it everyday. The castle was a little chaotic a times, but Rosalinda had grown up here, hardly ever leaving except for occasional visits, as a child, to the town of Clear Mist. She did not want to leave the place that had been home for so long.
“I shouldn’t have to,†she thought, “ I am Queen Rosalinda III, wife of King Demetri, ruler of the Tamarka Isles and the mainland of Rapanui.â€Â
She knew she would only be gone for three months, four tops, still, that was a long time to be away from home.
As her servants moved about her, she fell into deeper thought. Her last three moths of pregnancy would be carried out in the lonely tower of Bedigo, and she had to admit, she was a little frightened. Rosalinda was leaving tomorrow, with one servant, an Eldza named Opana; one cook, a Tamarkan named Kilona; and her life-long friend, and royal midwife, Deanna. Again she sighed, she didn’t want to leave, not when the red glow was so dim, that, had everyone tense. The red glow fading, could not be a good sign, as no one could remember when glow had not lit up the western sky, it had all was just been there. Rosalinda didn’t know why it was so dim now, barely distinguishable at night, let alone during the day, but she could feel something was about to happen, she didn’t know what, but something was coming.
Tomorrow was her “going away†ceremony, every one would gather at the docks and wave good-bye to her on the Tanro IV. This had the castle in even more chaotic mood than normal. Oh! If only she didn’t have to leave! There was still much to do and only and only a few more hours to do it! Rosalinda still had to put all the baby clothes and necessities into a chest and she had to remember to pack enough for at least two. This would be hard work considering the size of her stomach, it was hard to believe she was only six months pregnant because she looked like she was going to pop any minute. Deanna said to expect at least two children, if not more. Rosalinda was ecstatic, twins would be wonderful, it might even take everyone’s mind off Girao Nutu for awhile.
Two was a very lucky number in the kingdom, for it had been founded by the twin brothers, Jadner and Toki, the first rulers of Rapanui. So twins were considered very lucky, most leading wonderful and rich lives. Rosalinda hoped for twins, but prayed not to have triplets. Three was the unluckiest of all numbers, it had been thought as that after the third rulers of Rapanui. The brother Toki had never married, proclaiming that he was married to his kingdom, but Jadner had, to the beautiful Eldza princess, Dytini. They had two children, Libern and Theani. Libern had died young, of fever, when he was only eleven, but Theani lived to rule the kingdom after her parent’s death. She married a young noble and had three children; triplets, who’s names are never spoken, because of what they did. When their father and Theani died, the three did not want to share the kingdom with each other, and soon the bloodiest battle Rapanui ever fought had begun. The three rallied groups of peasants to fight for them. The population of Rapanui was decimated, and the three were all killed during battle, all three were buried together in an unknown location that has yet to be discovered. Soon though, a strong ruler rose out of the destruction, and was later named king. King Tanro, who’s line Rosalinda descended, brought Rapanui back to the powerful kingdom it was today. Having three children is very rare in Rapanui because of the war fought by the three, all the peasants either have two children or at least four, because it is believed that having three children will bring bad luck and misfortune.
“Oh dear,†she thought, “please don’t let them be triplets!â€Â
Rosalinda shook her head and proceeded to pack for however many babies there would be, four pairs for each girls and boys, though she was hoping for only one of each.
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The next day she awoke early, to find that Demetri was already gone. He was probably down in the kitchen or out in the gardens. She would find him later, after she made sur
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