A/N: Thank you guys for your great reviews. I would like to thank "white pedal" and "Autobot00001" for assisting me with great ideas for this story. Now let's see how our dear princess is doing after the whole ordeal last night.
Chapter 8
The next day wasn't all too well for the kingdom. All the nobles had left in a hurry to get back to their own kingdoms. The only people that stayed behind were Jacob and Uberta, along with their guards Phillip and Joshua. They were all gathered in the dining hall waiting for Odette to come down for breakfast. After Sargon had left, she helped carry Derek and Bromley to the infirmary and stayed by his side for an hour. Her animal friends, well mostly Puffin, whizzer and Speed, offered to watch Derek for her, even though they were badly injured themselves. She kindly rejected at first but her friends insisted that she head straight to bed. She smiled at them and wished them all goodnight. But even thought she was in bed, she couldn't get to sleep. She was terrified about everything that was happening. She was going to have a baby, but her brother is going to try and take it away from her. She spent the whole night thinking of how to tell Derek if he should wake up soon, but mostly on how she was going to protect her child. It wasn't until a few hours before dawn that she finally went to sleep.
In the Dining Hall, Uberta was sitting at the end table in front of the window sipping tea while Jacob was pacing about the room. Both were very melancholy about what happened last night. Uberta was worried about Derek's injuries and wondering how Odette was doing. She knows that she's had a rough night. But she didn't know why she broke down crying the way she did last night. The Dark Lord must have said something to really bring her to that point but what could it be? It was close to midday now and Odette was still in bed. But it was understandable.
Little did she know that Jacob was wondering the very same thing. He kept pacing around by the window and occasionally stopping to look outside for a few moments, then going back to pacing. The air in the room was too quiet for Uberta's liking. She finally spoke to Jacob.
"Poor dear," she said. "She must be extremely tired after that ordeal last night. She deserves a little sleep." Jacob nodded.
"Yes she does," he replied. Uberta took another sip of her tea.
"What are we going to do Jake?" she asked. Jacob stopped pacing to look at Uberta with a concerned face.
"I have no idea Uberta," he replied. He walked over to the table and took a seat next to his long time friend. "I always knew that he survived after the war. But I never expected him to return with the forces that he had." He folded his hands on the table. "He truly has become more powerful." Uberta looked down at the cup in her hand.
"What ever happened to that sweet little boy we use to know?" The question was really meant for anyone in particular, it was just a rhetorical one.
"He died a long time ago," Jacob said with much seriousness in his voice. "He died the very moment he found the Forbidden Arts." Uberta sighed before taking another sip of her tea.
"How could he do such things?" She placed the now empty cup on the table. "How could he do this to his own sister?" Jacob narrowed his eye.
"Because he's nothing but evil!" he almost shouted this statement. He looked up at Uberta. "That's what the Forbidden Arts does. They corrupt people and cause them to do terrible things." He stood up from the table and walked towards the window. "And now he wants to steal Odette's soul and destroy us all." Uberta sighed again, but then was reminded by something.
"If he wanted Odette's soul," she said as she turned around in her chair, "then why didn't he take her with him?" Jacob shook his head.
"It's because he wants to make this a game," he replied. "He wants us to try and defend her so he can destroy us and take her soul as a prize for his conquests." He heard Uberta stand from her seat. She walked over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Then we have to stop him," she said gently. Jacob turned around to face the Queen.
"How Uberta?" he asked, practically shouting. "If you haven't noticed, we aren't exactly in the best shape right now. Derek has been living in peace for too long and he completely forgot to set up a military for his kingdom. My kingdom is a week's travel from here, but I'm not sure I want to leave Odette's side. And who knows when Derek is going to recover from his injuries? And you don't have a kingdom anymore." The moment it left his mouth he immediately regretted it. He saw the hurt look in her eyes when he said that and he felt awful about even thinking it. "I'm sorry Uberta. I didn't mean to say that. I'm just—" Uberta raised her hand to stop him.
"Don't apologies Jake," she said calmly. "It's alright. You're just worried about Odette and I understand. And I know I don't have a kingdom anymore. I wouldn't be much help anyway." Jacob grabbed her hands and brought them closer to him.
"That's not true Uberta," he said. "You will always be a big help. You will find a way to make thing better for Odette. She didn't have a mother growing up and now she has you to look up to. So when she becomes a mother she will know who to come to for that." Uberta smiled and looked in his eyes and saw the honesty in them. He really had a way of making her feel better when she was down. She was glad he was her best friend.
"Thank you Jake," she said softly. "I needed that." Jacob smiled at her.
"Good, I'm glad." He then let go of her hands and faced the window again. Uberta was feeling better now that she was reminded that she didn't have a kingdom anymore. But that he can think of later. Now was the time to find a solution to their problem.
"So what are we going to do about Sargon?" Jacob sighed. He knew what was to be done, and it had to be done quickly.
"We start preparing for war," he said seriously. "We need to start building an army for this kingdom. I will send messengers to other kingdoms and start requesting for alliances. If I know Sargon, his armies will be vast. But right now are main focus is here protecting Odette. We need to start a foundation for her and Derek's army. Find recruits within their kingdom and maybe from others. We have to work fast." At that moment, Jacob heard the doors opening and turned to see Philip, Joshua, and Rogers walking in the Dining Hall.
"Good," he said, "just the men a wanted to see." He started walking towards them with Uberta following. Once they reached them Philip and Joshua saluted. "Have you anything to report?" They both nodded.
"Sir," said Philip. "It is as you suspected. There appears to be no military force around and they have no banner to signify their kingdom."
"There are many strong villagers," Joshua said. "But none of them seem to be well trained as soldiers." Jacob nodded at this information. He then turned to Rogers for an explanation.
"Why hasn't Derek formed an army after all these years of living here?" Rogers was taken a little off guard by this question. He knew about this kingdom not having a military but never really question it. But before he could answer, someone else spook.
"Because we never really needed one," said a tired voice. Everyone turned towards its owner and saw Odette standing in the middle of the doorway. Uberta immediately rushed over towards her side.
"How are you feeling dear?" she asked in a concerned voice as she pulled Odette over to the seat she was sitting before. "Would you like me to get you some tea?" Odette shook her head and tried to smile.
"No thank you Uberta," she said tiredly. "And I'm fine, really." She tried to put on a smile but Uberta could see right through it. The poor girl was exhausted and upset. She sat Odette down and took a seat next to her.
"Are you sure dear?" she asked. "I could have someone bring it to you right away." Odette smiled kindly at her mother-in-law and shook her head.
"That's alright," she answered. Uberta smiled at her and nodded her head as she gently placed her hand on Odette's. Odette smiled tiredly and leaned back in her seat. She had just woken up a half hour ago and prepared herself for the day as much as she could. She wore her usually white dress with long puffed sleeves and blue lining. She brushed her hair as much as she could but it still looked a little messy. She wore her makeup because a princess still needed to look presentable. Odette closed her eyes for a moment and let out a deep sigh. Jacob had just made his way next to Odette but remained standing. Odette turned slightly to look at him.
"How's Derek?" she asked. Jacob stepped a little closer to her and placed a hand on hers.
"He's doing fine," he answered with a smile. "But I'm not going to lie to you; he has quite a few broken bones. My physician looked him over and his right arm is broken and so are a few ribs, and his left leg is shattered. But he gave Derek a potion to help with the healing process. If he stays in bed, he should be fully recovered within five months." Odette was relieved that Derek was going to be okay. But she was also worried about how she was going to tell Derek the news. She was hoping to tell him under better circumstances.
"But I do have a few questions for you," Jacob said interrupting her thoughts. "Like why exactly don't you have an army for your kingdom?" Odette shrugged her shoulder.
"Like I said," she replied, "we never really needed one. Whenever we had trouble, Derek usually took care of it." Jacob was a little surprised by the answer he received.
"What about the times when your kingdom was attacked by Rothbart, Clavius, and Zelda? Didn't you think that that would be a good time to gather some protection from threats?" Odette thought about this for a moment.
"Well yes," she replied. "But Derek defeated them all by himself. And we are surrounded by peaceful kingdoms that we have worked to become allies with." Jacob listened to the explanation Odette was telling him, but he was growing a little annoyed by their incompetence.
"But that doesn't mean that you weren't in danger of being invaded by other kingdoms." He was keeping his voice low because he knew Odette was upset about her brothers visit, but he just a little astonished that they didn't think of the possibility of a war coming to their borders. They relied on the protection of the kingdoms around them. "I mean, look at what happened to Uberta's kingdom." He gestured to Uberta. "The only people to escape were her, her captain Joshua, and Chamberlain."
"I know," Odette said a little annoyed and her voice a little loud. "But Derek and I did fine by ourselves when it came to those three." Uberta and Jacob were a little taken aback by Odette's little outburst. It was so not like Odette to raise her voice. But Jacob wasn't going to back down.
"As I recall from the stories that you and Derek told me, you died the last time." Jacob's voice was growing a little louder. Uberta was beginning to get nervous because she felt that a fight was about to start. Odette stood up this time and stared at Jacob with narrowed eyes.
"So what?!" she shouted, causing Uberta to jump back in surprise and catching Jacob off guard. "I came back! I'm alive now and it was because of Derek! We didn't need an army then! This kingdom has done fine before in the past without one!"
"But you didn't have the worst possible man in the world after you now!" Jacob shouted back louder. "You should have been able to see that your kingdom would be at risk sooner. What will you use to protect your children?" That struck a nerve. Odette was completely furious now. She so badly wanted to say something to him. But no words could escape her mouth. Tears started to fill her eyes. She pushed her chair back and ran past everyone and headed to her room. Everyone in the room was silent. Jacob, after see Odette run off like that, started feeling awful about yelling at her like that. "Odette," he called out. He was about to run after her when a hand grabbed his arm. He looked back to see that it was Uberta holding him back.
"I'll go talk to her," she said gently. Jacob thought about this for a moment and decided that she was right. Odette probably wouldn't want to see him right now anyway. He nodded at Uberta. She smiled at him and ran after Odette. After she left the room, Jacob sat down at the table and placed his head in his hands. He let out a deep sigh. He had never yelled at Odette like that in all the time that he knew her. He didn't want to yell, but is ticked him off that Derek and Derek were so careless about their kingdom's protection. Even though they lived in a time of peace, that was no excuse to not have a military present, otherwise last night's event may not have happened in the first place. He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see his general and good friend, Philip.
"Everything will be ok, you're Majesty," he said to his king. "The young princess has been through a lot in such a short amount of time. But I'm sure Queen Uberta will help her, as will you when the time comes." Jacob smiled up at his general. He always knew what to say at the right moments.
"You're right Philip," he said. "When Odette has calmed down a bit I will go up to her and apologies for my behavior." This time Joshua stepped closer to them.
"I'm sure the young lady knows you mean well," the young captain said. Jacob smiled at him as well and nodded.
"Thanks boys," he said. He then stood up from his seat. "Now it's time to get down to business." He turned towards Rogers. "Rogers, I want you and anyone you can find to go to all the villages in the kingdom and find as many recruits as you can find ad bring them here."
"Yes you're Highness," Rogers bowed and left the room in a hurry. Jacob looked back at Philip and Joshua.
"And I want you two to find any equipment you need and find the perfect spot to train these new soldiers." The two soldiers stood tall and saluted before leaving to accomplish their task. Jacob turned and walked towards the window. He placed his hands behind his back and stared outside, thinking of a way to keep Odette safe.
Meanwhile in Odette's room, Odette sat on her bed with her hand on her face crying. She wanted nothing more than for all this to be a bad dream so she can wake up from all this. Where she didn't have an evil brother who wanted to steal her soul, or even worse, steal her child's soul. She wanted everything to disappear. Part of her wished she wasn't pregnant so that she wouldn't have to feel the pain of losing her child. But another part of her was glad to have this child so she could know what it feels like to be a mother. But that's what hurt even more; the fact that her brother wants to take that away from her. She now wanted to be the one that had her soul taken so that her child could live. But she heard Sargon say that her soul wasn't useful anymore. Why was that? Why did her being pregnant have anything to do with that? She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard a knock on her door. She suspected it to be Jacob.
"I really don't want to talk anymore Jacob," She said tearfully. She heard her door open and turned around only to see Uberta.
"Well it's a good thing I'm not Jacob then isn't dear?" Uberta said trying to lift the mood. Odette turned her back to her and wiped away her tears.
"I'm sorry Uberta," she said softly. "But I really don't want to talk right now." Uberta walked into the room. This was actually the first time she had ever been in her their bedroom before. It was quite a large room, with a big window on the right side of the room and the closest on the other. Odette's bed was on the across the door way with another window on the left side of it and a small brown dresser below it. Odette's makeup table and mirror was one the right side of her bed near the corner of the room. In the middle there was a large circular rug with all different colored rings on it with a table standing on top with a large flower vase with white roses. At the end of the bed was a chest, probably for Derek's things no doubt. All around the room hung a few pictures of both Derek and Odette. But on each side of the doorway hung a picture of William on the left side and a picture of Dmitri. Uberta smiled at that picture. She walked into the room and sat next to Odette on her bed.
"That's ok dear," she said gently. "You don't have to talk. But I am here if you need me." Odette smiled at this but didn't turn around. A few moments went by and neither one of them have spoken. The air was a little unsettling for Odette and she decided to speak up.
"Did Jacob ask you to come talk to me?" even though she couldn't see it, she knew Uberta was shaking her head.
"No dear," Uberta said. "I came here on my own. Jacob wanted to come here to apologies but I didn't think you wanted to see him right now." Odette lowered her head a little further.
"I don't know why I snapped like that," she admitted. "I was just upset with everything that was happening to me. I found out I have a brother and he turns out o be the most horrible person in the world." Odette almost jumped when she felt Uberta place a hand on Odette's shoulder.
"It's understandable Odette," Uberta said gently. "Jacob is just worried about you dear. He didn't mean to yell at you like that. He just wants to see that you're safe." Odette sighed.
"I know, and I love him for that. But I'm just really tired and I don't know what to do." Odette leaned forward and placed her face within her hands and began to sob softly. Uberta started rubbing Odette's back comfortingly.
"You don't have to do anything alone sweetheart." Uberta scooted closer to Odette. "We will always be here to help you no matter what. That's what family is for." Uberta was taken by surprise when Odette suddenly turned around and buried her face in Uberta's chest, crying loudly now. Uberta, after recovery for the sudden action, smiled and wrapped her arms around Odette in a much needed hug. After a few minutes, Odette's cries of turned into soft sobs. Uberta still held Odette tightly and rubbed her back to comfort her. Odette had never felt like this before. She actually felt like she had a mother now, and it was wonderful.
"Thank you… mom." The words had escaped Odette's mouth before she could stop it. After the words left her mouth, she was sure that Uberta would laugh at her for it. It was silent for a moment and Odette was about to apologies for it. She was surprised when she felt Uberta's arms wrap tighter around her.
"You're very welcome my dear," she said in a voice that sounded teary. Odette smiled and wrapped her own arms around Uberta. The two stayed like this for what seemed like an eternity. They had now developed a new kind of relationship between them, one that they were determined to strengthen. And now it was time for Odette to tell her big secret.
"I'm pregnant," she said softly. Uberta's eyes shot open when she heard that. At first she thought she heard wrong. But there was no mistake. But she had to make sure. She gently pushed Odette away but kept her hands on her shoulders.
"What did you say dear?" Odette looked lightly away and wanted to disappear at that moment.
"I'm pregnant," she repeated, softer this time. Odette wasn't sure what Uberta's reaction was going to be. She dared to look back at Uberta. Uberta's eyes were the size of dinner plates. Odette had a slight feeling that Uberta wasn't happy with the news. Then suddenly…
"OH MY GOD!" Uberta screamed before enveloping Odette in a tight hug. "I'm going to be a grandmother!" Uberta laughed as she held Odette tighter, nearly crushing her in the process. Odette smiled a little because this definitely wasn't the reaction she was expecting, but let out a little cough because of the lack of air.
"…Mom," she coughed out. But Uberta was in too much of a good mood to hear her.
"This is so wonderful!" she shouted.
"Mom… can't breathe," Odette coughed again. Uberta finally heard Odette this time and let go quickly.
"Oh, sorry dear," she said sheepishly. Odette took a deep breath of fresh air. She looked over at Uberta and giggled a bit, causing Uberta to giggle as well. Then Uberta gently placed her hand on Odette's stomach as the laughed happily together.
"I can't believe that I'm going to be a grandmother," Uberta said happily. Odette laughed as she looked down at her stomach as well.
"I can't believe that I'm going to be a mother." Uberta grinned at her daughter-in-law.
"Does Derek know yet?" she asked. Odette shook her head.
"No not yet," she answered. "I just found out recently." Uberta nodded in understanding.
"Well, when he wakes up he's going to have the biggest surprise of his life." Odette nodded and they both hugged. They were disturbed when they heard a knock on the door before it opened. It was Jacob.
"Odette?" he said as he opened the door fully and stood in the doorway. "Are you alright?" Uberta and Odette both stood up from the bed.
"Yes Jacob," she answered. "I'm fine." Jacob smiled as he walked into the room.
"I'm truly sorry Odette for my behavior," he said as he approached them. "I didn't mean to shout at you like that. I'm just worried for your safety. Odette smiled as she nodded her head.
"It's alright Jacob," she said. "I shouldn't have raised my voice as well. I'm just going through a lot."
"I understand Odette." He stepped forward and embraced Odette in a warm hug. Odette happily return it. "I can't begin to understand the terror you must be going through." Uberta chuckled at his statement.
"Oh I don't know about that," she said with a big smile as she placed her hands behind her back and looked up to pull off an innocent look. Jacob looked at Uberta with a questioning look.
"What are you talking about?" he asked. Uberta glanced over at Odette, who in turn was starting to giggle. Jacob looked from one to the other at a complete lose. "What's going here?" Uberta and Odette glanced at one another and giggled some more.
"Should we tell him?" Uberta asked. Jacob looked down at Odette.
"Tell me what?" he asked, almost begged. Odette glanced at Jacob then back to Uberta.
"No this is too much fun," she laughed. Jacob was even more confused and growing a little bit impatient.
"What's the big secret?" he pleaded. "Tell me already." Odette and Uberta laughed once more. Then Odette finally decided to stop teasing the king. She placed a hand on his left cheek and pulled him closer to whisper into his ear.
"I'm pregnant." Jacob's eye opened wider than ever before. He pulled back from Odette to look her straight in the eye.
"Are you serious?" he asked with disbelief. Odette smiled and nodded in reply. Jacob was silent for a moment before a huge smile appeared on his face and wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the floor as he laughed happily. "Oh congratulations my dear," he shouted happily. He spun her around a few times before placing her back down and once again giving her a hug. He then grabbed Uberta and pulled her into the hug, all laughing with happiness. Jacob let go of Uberta and looked at Odette.
"How long are you?" he asked. Odette shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't know," she answered. "I just recently found out." Jacob nodded.
"Does Derek know?" Odette shook her head.
"No, I never had the chance to tell him." Jacob clapped his hands together.
"Right then," he said as he grabbed Odette's hand and began to pull her out the door. "Let's go tell him right away." Odette's heart began to race at that moment.
"Wait," she said as she pulled her hand back. Jacob looked back at her with confusion.
"What is it my dear?" Uberta said as she walked behind Odette and placed her hands on her shoulders. Odette looked down towards the floor. She wanted to tell Derek. She knew Derek would be happy about having a child, but not if it's just going to be taken away by her evil brother. She also didn't want Jacob and Uberta to know that Sargon was after her child as well. She then put on a smile to hide her concern.
"I just want to tell Derek on my own time," she said. Uberta thought about this and nodded her head in understanding.
"Alright dear," she said. "You can tell him anytime you're ready. Derek is probably still asleep anyway." Odette smiled at Uberta and was glad she bought it. Jacob, on the other hand, wasn't entirely convinced. He saw that glimmer of sadness in Odette's eyes, even though it was a quick second. Something didn't seem right, yet he couldn't place his finger on it.
"What's the matter Odette?" he asked, his tone showing a little seriousness. Odette was a little surprised that Jacob asked that, but knew the reason why. She looked down at the floor.
"Nothing," she lied. "I just want to tell Derek on my own time." Jacob frowned.
"Then why won't you look me in the eye?" Odette looked up at Jacob and knew that he wasn't fooled. He knew something was wrong and she knew lying would be pointless. She let out a deep sigh.
"It's Sargon," she said finally. Jacob and Uberta both looked at each other before looking back at Odette.
"What do you mean?" Uberta asked. Odette was silent. She didn't want to ruin this moment with Jacob and Uberta. And she didn't want them to panic. Jacob stepped closer to Odette.
"I see," he said. Odette quickly looked up at Jacob. Had he figured it out already? Jacob walked back into the room and shut the door. He then turned around to face Odette completely. Odette's heart was racing. She knew that Derek knew that she was having a child; he would do anything he could to protect her, even go off on his own to fight Sargon himself. Jacob stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"You don't want Sargon to find out about the child do you?" Odette wasn't expecting that. She thought Jacob had figured it out. Guess she was wrong. "That makes sense," Jacob continued. "If Sargon got wind of your pregnancy, he would try to find a way to take the child to draw you closer to him." Odette was about to tell him that Sargon already knew but he cut her off.
"We need to build the army as quickly as possible now. For your pregnancy won't be a secret forever and we need to be prepared for what Sargon may throw at us." With that Jacob opened the bedroom door and quickly walked out. Uberta stepped closer to Odette and patted her on the shoulder.
"Don't worry dear," she said. "Everything will be alright. No harm will come to you or the baby." And Uberta walked out the door as well and follow Jacob down the hall. Odette stood alone in her room, Uberta's last words echoing in her head. She looked down and placed her right hand on her stomach.
"I hope you're right," she whispered to herself.
A little while later, Odette had decided to take a walk outside for a while. Everyone in the castle was busy with preparations for the upcoming war and she was getting tired of it. Just hearing about the war was starting to get to her. She needed to get out of the castle for some fresh air. She paid a visit to Derek to see how he was doing, but he was still resting. Odette placed a kiss on his cheek before heading out. She had been walking around the lake trying to clear her head. Right now she was at a small clearing by the lake and she found a large bolder to sit on. She sat there for a while just staring out. After a while she started to think about her new baby. She wondered if it would be either a boy or a girl. She smiled at the idea of having either, or both. Jacob had his physician Edward, who was in his early fifties, examine her and concluded that she was a week in. Fortunately no one asked her how she found out before hand.
She was enjoying the time to herself as she thought of her baby. She sat on the bolder and was starting to think of names for her child whether it was a boy or a girl. She thought of what they would do together and how to properly raise it. She mainly thought about how good of a mother she would be. She really had no clue on how to be a mother. She never had a mother growing up and was a little worried about the mistakes she might make. She was starting to worry if she might not be a good enough mother for her child. But then she realized that she had Uberta, who was as close to a mother that she had. She could always ask for Uberta's help every now and then. And after the reaction the she got from her, Odette knew that Uberta would gladly accept without hesitation. Odette was starting to feel a lot better about her situation with being a mother. But now she had another problem. She wondered about how she was going to tell Derek about the baby.
She knew Derek would be extremely happy about it, but she also know about how overprotective he can be. After the battle with Zelda, Derek would sometime keep Odette in the castle or be with her whenever she was out for fear of her being kidnapped again. She loved Derek for caring for her but even she needed to be free and alone sometimes. After a while, Derek started to lighten up and left her alone when she wanted it. But now things were different. Odette now has a long lost older brother that wanted her soul for eternal life, and now he wants to steal her child's soul. Odette knew that once Derek found out about this, he would go off by himself and try to face Sargon again like last time. She only hoped that Jacob would be there to talk some sense into him. Odette also knew that once Jacob found out that it was her child that Sargon was after, he would be upset with her for not telling him from the beginning. But Jacob wouldn't stay made long though. Odette was sure that he would understand. After all, Sargon was said to be the most feared man ever in existence. Odette was sure that Jacob would do everything he could to protect her and her child. She placed a hand on her stomach as her thoughts were brought back to her baby and she smiled once again.
"Good day princess," said an Irish voice from behind. Odette turn around and saw her dear animal friends Puffin, Speed, Jean-Bob, and Whizzer approaching. She smiled at them as she turned around more to face them properly.
"Hey guys," she said. "How are you feeling?" She noticed the bandages that they all wore after their fight last night. Puffin's right wing was sprained as well as his left leg and was walking on a crutch. Whizzer right wing was broken and a neck brace. Both of them also had some bandages around their torsos from where Razor had scratched them. Speed had some bandages around his head and had a cast on his tail and had a good black right eye. Jean-Bob had both arms broken a bandages around his chest for his broken ribs. They were all in a lot of pain, they were pulling through.
"We're doing fine, Princess," Puffin assured her. "It's nothing we can't handle."
"Speak for yourself," Jean-Bob said. "A prince like me shouldn't have to be like this." The others shook their heads at him.
"No one asked you to rush in like that," Whizzer said. Jean-Bob glared at him.
"A fellow prince was in need and how else was I suppose to lead by example? And I needed to show those savages what a prince in truly made of."
"With a wooden spoon?" Puffin countered. Jean-Bob turned his glare on him.
"A prince makes do with what he has." Puffin and Whizzer both rolled their eyes. There was no getting through to him. Odette smiled at her little friends.
"I never had the chance to thank all of you for saving Derek last night." Puffin, with his good wing, just waved it aside.
"No need to thank us Princess," he said. "We would give our lives for the Prince anytime." Both Speed and Whizzer nodded their heads in agreement. Jean-Bob was a little skeptical about it, but also nodded his head. Odette smiled at them again before turning to look out towards the lake.
"What are you doing out here by yourself anyway Odette?" Speed asked slowly. Odette looked at her animal friends then back to the lake.
"I just needed to get out of the castle for a little while," she answered. Puffin nodded in agreement.
"Understandable," he said. "With the kingdom preparing for war, it's understandable that you would want some time alone." Odette sighed at the mention of war, but said nothing of it. She was just glad her best friends were here. She continued to look out towards the lake thinking of some things.
"Is something on your mind Princess?" Whizzer asked. Odette looked at the yakey-bird and smiled reassuringly. He may not have been here as long as her other friends have, but he's been a true friend to her in his stay at the castle. She was even happy when Whizzer decided to be Puffin's "second in command" as he put it. They really have become great friends since Zelda's defeat.
"I'm fine Whizzer," Odette said. "It's nothing." Whizzer stepped closer and hopped on the bolder next to her.
"Your mouth says its nothing," he said, "But your face says it's something." Odette raised and smirked at him. Whizzer may say that wasn't much of a spy, but he was very observant. Maybe his time with Zelda had scared him into learning a few things. She turned her attention back on the lake again.
"It's just something that I found out recently," she said. By this time, Puffin, speed and Jean-Bob had made their way next to Odette, Puffin leaning of speed for support.
"What is it Princess?" Puffin asked. Odette closed her eyes and placed a hand on her stomach.
"It's something that could either be very incredible," she hesitated. "Or very terrible." She opened her eyes and saw that all everyone was staring at her, waiting for her to elaborate. Odette hesitated at first. She wasn't sure if she should tell them or not. But she knew she could trust them with anything. She let out a deep sigh before speaking.
"We'll," she paused for a moment. "I'm pregnant." A moment after she said it, she heard loud cheering from them. This was the happiest news that they have heard in a long time. And hearing that there might be a new prince or princess in the kingdom was very exciting. Odette giggled at their reaction as she watched them celebrate. Then Speed suddenly remembered what Odette said earlier.
"But why would this be a terrible thing?" he asked. Everyone suddenly stopped and realized Speed was right. Why would having a child be a terrible thing? Odette turned away from them to hide the sadness on her face. But she forgot that Whizzer was still beside her. He looked concern for her. Tears began to fill her eyes. She looked down at her lap as she laced her fingers together. She was silent for a moment.
"Let's just say that Sargon doesn't want my soul anymore," she said softly.
"We'll that's good, isn't it?" Jean-Bob said as he looked at the others. But they didn't seem happy about the news. Puffin spoke out what the others were thinking.
"You don't mean…" he didn't finish. Odette nodded.
"Yes," she said as more tears ran down her face. She placed both hands on her stomach. "He wants my baby." And with that she broke down crying. She brought both hand to her face so they wouldn't see her like this. But it was no use. She really couldn't care less right now. She just wished all this wasn't real. She wished she could just disappear.
Puffin and the others felt terrible for her. They knew that Odette had wanted a child for a while now. But now that she just found out that she was having one, her evil brother wants to take it away from her. It was a terrible thing really. And seeing Odette like this was completely heartbreaking. They couldn't bear to see here like this. With that, Speed walked over to Odette and placed a hand on her leg. Odette moved her hands away to see Speed trying to comfort her. She got off the bolder to kneeled down and wrap her arms around Speeds neck in a much needed hug and cried some more. Puffin and Whizzer soon joined in and wrapped their good wings around Odette. Even Jean-Bob joined in the hug, but with his broken arms, all he could do was lean his head on Odette's arm. They all stayed like this for a good while.
After a few minutes, Odette was starting to calm down and her cries turned into little sobs. Soon after she let go of her friends and wiped away her tears. She looked down at everyone and smiled appreciably at them.
"Thanks you guys," she said. "I really needed that." Everyone smiled warmly at her. Puffin stepped forward and bowed as much as he could.
"If there is anything you need princess," he said, "please let us know right away." Everyone else nodded in agreement, even Jean-Bob. Odette smiled wider. She then stood up and brushed her dress down, and then she looked towards her castle.
"I should be heading back," she said. "Maybe Derek is finally awake." She sighed as she looked down at the ground. "I still don't know how to tell him about this."
"It's alright Odette," said Speed. "We'll be there if it will help." Odette smiled at him.
"Thank you, Speed." And with that, she heads back to her castle with her animal friends following right behind her.
Odette, Puffin, Speed, Jean-Bob, and Whizzer had just walked into the castle and saw Jacob talking to Philip and Joshua. Odette and the others, walked over to them. Jacob Philip and Joshua were discussing training plans when they saw Odette approaching. Philip and Joshua bow in respect as Joshua nodded in greeting.
"Hello Odette," Jacob greeted. "Perfect timing. We were just discussing about the training grounds for the new recruits and we were thinking of using the area where we had the festivals. Will that be alright?" Odette mentally rolled her eyes about the whole thing but kept quiet about it. She knew that this was important if it meant protecting her baby. She then thought about the idea of using the festival grounds. It was a large open field that could hold a substantial amount of people. It would be a perfect place as any to start building an army. They would just have to find a new place to build their festivals. She looked at Jacob and nodded.
"It will do just fine," she said. Jacob smiled that Odette was letting them use the festival ground. He knew that this meant that there might not be any Festival Days this year and that it would bring low moral to the people of Swan Lake. But it was something that had to be done.
"Thank you Odette," he said. He turned back to Philip and Joshua. "Get started on building the training equipment and have some sparing gear made for the recruits. With any luck we might at least have a small army within a few months." Both guards saluted.
"As you wish your Majesty," they both said in unison before walking past Odette and out of the Castle. Once they left, Jacob turned towards Odette. He notice a certain look about Odette that made him feel concerned.
"Are you alright Odette?" he asked. "You look like you've been crying recently. Odette nodded at him.
"I'm fine Jacob," she answered him. "I've just been worried about this baby that's all." Jacob nodded in understanding.
"I understand," he said. "But everything will be fine. We'll make sure that everything before you give birth. Because once that baby is born, it won't be long before the Dark Lord finds out." Puffin, Speed, Jean-Bob, and Whizzer all looked at each other in confusion. Did Odette not mention to him that Sargon already knew about it? Odette tried to smile convincingly.
"Thank You Jacob," she said. She felt guilty about not telling him that Sargon already knew. She didn't want to lie to him but she was just afraid about what Derek might do. She finally decided that she should tell him. After all, Jacob was doing everything he could to help protect her family. Maybe he can keep Derek from acting rash. She took a deep breath before she spoke.
"Actually Jacob," she said softly. "There's something that I need to tell you." Jacob looked at Odette, wondering what she was going to say. Odette took another deep breath and was about to speak again before she was interrupted.
"Odette! King, King!" cried Bridget as she ran down the stair as fast as she could. Everyone turned to her a little surprised. What could have happened that she would be excited like this? "Odette! King, King!" Bridget cried again. She was already at the bottom of the steps and was running towards the group.
"What is it Bridget?" Odette asked. Bridget stopped a few feet away from them and was panting heavily. After a moment she looked up at Odette and Jacob with a smile.
"Prince Prince awake!" she shouted excitingly. "Prince Prince awake!" Jacob smiled at the small old women.
"Fantastic news," he said. He turned towards Odette. "We can talk later. Right now we have to see Derek. We have a lot of things to discuss." Jacob turned around and began to quickly ascend the stairs with Bridget following close behind. Puffin, Speed, Jean-Bob, and Whizzer soon followed after, leaving Odette with a nervous stomach. She had hoped to tell him alone, but now seemed like the best time to tell him. Odette took another deep breath.
"Here goes nothing," she said softly to herself as she before climbing the stairs.
A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed another chapter of this story. How will Derek react when he finds out that the Dark Lord is after his child? Wait and see to find out next time. R&R please :)
