AN: I do not own Twilight.
Chapter one
*5 years before*
"What do you mean you never got the operation?!" Edward bellowed while glaring at his wife and queen, Irina.
"My darling, I am so sorry!"
"Do not 'my darling' me! Explain to me why you never received the operation, Irina, or so help me god, I will kill you before the disease does."
By now, Irina knew that the charade was over. Her husband's stare was cold and his features were nothing but serious.
With puffy eyes and tears streaking her face, she made her last attempt at saving her marriage.
"Okay, I will tell you everything. I came from a very poor family. When my father heard that you were looking for a wife, he became desperate. He sent me to your court in hopes of catching your eye. My mother groomed me to become the image of the perfect queen. My parents' prayers were at last answered when you finally took notice of me. Since we had little money, I was unable to receive the operation. I did not tell you because I feared the worse. I lied about my upbringing but I swear to you, I never feigned love for you. The moment I saw you, you owned my heart."
Edward stood in shock at his wife's revelations. A million thoughts were going through his head, but the one that stood out above all else was betrayal.
"You insolent woman! Do you realize what you have done? My child, our child, will be dead before it is even born. My heir will have no semblance of a life because of you and your treacherous family!"
His words, filled with venom, stabbed at Irina's heart like a dagger. She sank to her knees and began to beg for his forgiveness.
"ENOUGH! You do not have the right to beg!" He gripped her arms and brought her to her feet.
"Guards! Bring this woman to the west wing. She is not to leave her room until I say otherwise. I cannot stand to have her in my sight any longer."
Irina sobbed like a mad woman while the guards hauled her away.
Edward threw a wine glass against the wall and let out a ferocious growl. His nostrils were flared and his breathing harsh.
When he finally calmed down, he walked to his throne and sat down. His head was in his hands and his shoulders were hunched in defeat. He thought about his child, which caused his eyes to water.
After what seemed like hours, he wiped his tears and squared his shoulders. His eyes were hard with anger. From that moment forth, he vowed to never trust any woman or peasant. To him, they were lowly creatures filled with malice.
"I shall never marry again," he murmured to himself.
*9 months later*
"Your highness, the queen is dead. We removed the child, it was a boy," said the midwife.
The king heaved a sigh before addressing the woman.
"Notify the guards and tell them to bury Irina with the rest of the lowly peasants. As for my son, he shall be buried in the Royal Hall of Zeb."
"As you wish, your majesty."
King Edward was left alone to reflect upon the events that had just transpired.
His wife and son were dead, yet it was not a time to sulk. It was time to paint a mask of indifference on his face. His kingdom needed a strong and fierce king, not a weak and demure one.
A fierce king was exactly what the kingdom of Zeb was going to get.