Chapter 44

It was nearing the end of my pregnancy and the weather had gone from comfortable to miserably hot. Alyn and I were named King and Queen of Wysteria shortly after the king's passing. Alyn had managed to overcome his sadness regarding the death and placed his focus on ruling the country. The townspeople loved him and he loved the townspeople. I couldn't help but smile when I'd see the people cheering at their new leader.

I'd been told to remain in bed during my final weeks but it was so dreadfully boring that I'd of course sneak out and go for walks with Alyn by my side. He'd scold me like usual but wanted to see me happy. My maids and regular female castle goers would have weekly teas where I'd be given advice on how to handle the days leading up to my delivery. I was terrified yet excited. Every ounce of me was ready to have this baby.

A cool breeze flows through the room from our open balcony doors. The early morning sunlight pokes through the glass and scatters across the floor. Alyn rests quietly beside me and I try to snuggle as close as possible until my stomach doesn't allow it. I plant soft kisses across his barren back and run my hands over his muscular arms. He stirs in his sleep and I smile against his back.

I feel his body turn and our faces meet. "Good morning," he says sleepily. He places a gentle hand against my cheek and I place mine on top. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel great," I answer smiling. "I don't think it's today." I place a small pout upon my face.

He gives a side smile before placing a soft kiss on my lips. We both get out of bed and prepare for the day. Alyn was scheduled to have a meeting with many of the noblemen and generals from the country later today.

"I know you hate it in here, but I want you to stay put while I'm gone," he says finishing the last button of his suit. He rests a hand against my large belly. "Just in case," he says softly.

I roll my eyes but agree. "Okay, but once you get back I want to go for another walk. I heard walking helps induce labor."

"Deal," he says and kisses me before leaving for the meeting.

I spend time in my room as he asked but the meeting goes by slowly. "This is so boring," I grumble. My stomach rumbles and I sigh. "Well, he didn't say I couldn't go get a snack."

I rise from my chair and walk towards the kitchen. As I'm passing one of the main hallways, I hear voices arguing outside in the front courtyard. Curious, I peak out of a window and see guards blocking the way for a familiar face. Pale hair acts as a halo around the young face. My eyes widen at the cunning golden eyes.

"What are you doing here," I say with irritation.

"Princess. Or is it Queen Aria now?" Nico says with bright eyes.

"Answer my question," I say sternly.

"I heard the news about the king. I came to pay my respects."

I narrow my eyes in his direction. "I don't want him here," I command and the guards grab Nico.

"I wanted to apologize," he calls out. "I want to serve the new king."

The guards pause and I step closer. "How can I trust you after everything you did?"

"Please, listen to me."

I glance at the guards who remain emotionless. Nico looks at me with earnest eyes and I wave. "You have one minute to convince me to allow you into my castle."

"I came to warn you that King Byron plans to attack Wysteria. He will kill you and your child," he says with pleading eyes. My stomach sinks at the news. "How do I know you're not lying?"

"Do you think King Byron is a liar? You know what he's capable of."

The guards wait for my order. "Take him to the prison holdings. I want him questioned," I say in a shaky voice. They nod and start to drag Nico away. "If you tell us everything you know, I promise your freedom," I say turning and heading back into the castle. I lean against the hall, my heart pounding. Did King Byron really want to attack? My hand holds my stomach protectively and panic sets in. I won't let him lay a finger on this child.

"I need to tell Alyn," I whisper. My chest tightens and I briskly walk down the hallway leading to the meeting hall. My stomach tightens and I collide with the wall. I feel my muscles spasm and I realize what's happening. "Not now," I breathe through clenched teeth. My stomach contracts again and I cry out in discomfort. I collapse to my knees clutching my stomach as it tightens.

I try to stand up but the pain causes my legs to wobble. I rest my hands against the wall and bend my back to provide a bit of relief.

"Queen Aria, are you alright?" A servant who happened to be passing by rushes over to me.

"The baby…." I bite my lip as another contraction hits. "It's coming," I groan. Her eyes widen and she starts to fidget. "I'll go get help; wait here," she says frantically.

"It's not like I'm going anywhere," I say irritated. Moments later a few other servants round the corner and help escort me to my bedroom. My head maid waits impatiently at the door and ushers everyone inside. "Remove her dress and place her on the bed. I'll need boiled water and some clean rags."

I cry out in pain as another contraction convulses down my belly. My forehead becomes sweaty and the feel of cool air against my bare skin feels wonderful. One of the maids dresses me in a loose and flowing sleeveless gown over me before escorting me to the bed. I grip the bedpost, refusing to lie down.

"Queen Aria, you need to rest," the maid says nervously and I shoot her a mean glare.

"I want to stay here," I growl and bend over as another contraction comes and goes.

The head maid tells the maid to leave me be. She wipes my brow with a soft rag. "You're doing great," she says encouragingly.

"Where is Alyn?" I say gritting my teeth. "I need him here."

"Someone's been sent to get him," she says calmly. "Focus on your breathing. He'll be here soon."

I force myself to take calming breaths but the pain makes it difficult. Minutes pass and Alyn still hasn't arrived. "I'm not having this baby until he gets here," I grumble.

"That's not up for you to decide. That baby will come when it's ready," the head maid barks. "Don't be stubborn," she clicks her tongue and talks to one of the other servants on standby. "It's been half an hour since I sent Thomas to get Alyn. Go find him."

(Third person)

"Are they almost done?" A thin and lanky boy paces outside the meeting hall. He places an ear to the door and listens and hears the voices of men discussing. He bites his lip unsure if he should interrupt or wait.

"What are you doing?" Another man approaches and the young boy realizes it's a guard. "You shouldn't be here."

"I-I'm waiting to speak with King Alyn. It's about Queen Aria," he says shaking. He was easily intimidated.

"What about the Queen?" The guard raises his brow suspiciously.

"Well, she's in labor," the boy says nervously.

The guard's eyes widen and he grabs the boy's wrist and pushes open the heavy doors. The men inside the room all turn to see the interruption and Alyn's eyes narrow in irritation. "This is a private meeting."

"I found this boy lollygagging outside the room. He has something to say," the guard says shoving the boy forward. He stumbles and tilts his head until his eyes meet Alyn's.

"What's so important that you had to disturb us?" Alyn's voice is low and grumpy.

"Um- well," the young boy says trembling.

"I'm waiting," Alyn says impatiently.

"Queen Aria," the boy says.

Alyn's brows rise and his eyes become intense. "What about her?"

"She's- She's in labor," the boy wheezes. "I didn't want to interrupt you-" He starts to say but Alyn silences him.

"We'll finish this later," he says in a deep tone before striding out of the room.

(Back to Aria)

"Ahhhh!" I moan as the pain courses through my entire body. I squeeze the hand of one of my maids who volunteers to assist in delivering the baby. "I can't take it anymore," I cry.

"Just a bit longer. You're doing great," the head maid says wiping my face.

"You're almost fully dilated," the doctor says lowering the blanket. "I expect another hour before you start pushing."

"An hour?" I whine.

Voices sound in the hallway and someone enters the room. My eyes glance up and I see Alyn walk swiftly to my side. The maid steps aside and Alyn takes my hand in his. "I'm here," he breathes. I close my eyes as I brace another painful contraction. I feel Alyn's hand rub my back and I feel more relaxed.

I withstand a few more minutes of contractions and the urge to push comes. I cry out and squeeze Alyn's hand tightly as I press against my stomach. The doctor comes to my side and lifts the blanket over my legs. "I can't believe it," he says surprised. "You're fully dilated already."

He barks commands at the maids and they each prepare to assist when needed. I continue to push gripping Alyn's hand each time. "Almost," the doctor says calmly. I cry out loudly one final time before the pressure built inside my stomach vanishes. I collapse into Alyn's arms breathless and glance down at my feet. The doctor lifts up the small body and a maid rushes over with a wet cloth.

"It's a girl," he says.

Tears fall down my cheeks. "She's beautiful," Alyn breathes beside me. The maids clean and wrap the baby in a bundle of soft blankets. Alyn reaches out as the head maid lowers our daughter into his arms. He leans closer to me and I gaze at the small, wrinkled face.

She stirs in the blankets and lets out a soft cry. "It's okay," Alyn coos and places a gentle finger against her smooth cheek. Her eyes open and a soft crimson color watches Alyn. Her small hands takes hold of Alyn's finger and a huge smile spreads over his face.

"She looks just like you," I whisper. He hands the baby over and places her in my arms. A protective hand remains on mine and I feel the tears start to fall again as I gaze into the beautiful face of our daughter.

"We haven't thought of a name yet," I say quietly.

"Allison," he says without a thought. "It was my mother's name," he says softly.

"It's perfect," I reply.