Chapter 37

A blessing in disguise:

Alice's belly swelled with the life that grew within her over the months, serving as a continuous reminder of the trip she and Arnold had taken. Their love had only gotten stronger, blooming like a delicate flower in the spring. However, amidst the excitement and anticipation of their child's approaching arrival, a new issue arose, one that threatened to shake the very foundation of their newly found happiness. It started with a succession of unexplained illnesses that left Alice bedridden and debilitated. The royal physicians were perplexed, unable to determine the cause of her declining health. Arnold, his brow wrinkled in anxiety, hovered at her bedside, tenderly clasping her hand as he watched her struggle against an invisible power. "My dear," he muttered, his voice full of concern, "what can I do?" How can I alleviate your suffering?" Alice managed a sad smile as her fingers tightened around his. "Do not worry, my sweetheart," she whispered. "I am in the