Chapter TWENTY-NINE: Snow and Life-DEVIN

...

Thais...

The end of winter carried through its final snowfall in mild intervals as a fresh day began. Cool and warm, at the same time, the air could brush against one's cheek and leave an icy chill; yet, heat the spirit with the beautiful letdown of sugar-dusted frost that fell across the land. Though, patches of grass and other life poked sparingly under fading white layers along the castles gates and courts; fighting the ice covered ground for a peak of light. The sun illuminated once more as the snowy weather took a break allowing light to hit the surface once more.

..

As King Devin opened the door to his chambers, a combination of daylight pouring serenely through the elongated adorned windows, with the bright glow of the large fireplace burning to the side, blinded him momentarily. Ignoring his sudden blindness to get to his sleeping Alicia, he stared down and barely made his way to the bed's edge as quietly as possible.

His duties had called for him to leave briefly earlier that morning, but being away from her for any length of time seemed too long right now.

Alicia made tiny wheezing sounds in her sleep, which Devin listened to tentatively for a moment. He then pulled off his crown, placed it besides hers and then rested his need on the elegant rug beneath surrounding the bed.

He marveled at the swollen bump partially hidden under the sheets, which stuck out like a smooth curvy hill. He kissed the mass gently before he kissed his resting wife who moved her hands on top of her womb.

For now, however, Devin liked her this way: calm and asleep. Even when she was not pregnant, Alicia would tire him out. So it was nice for them to have some down time like this; though, Alicia did not seem to agree about having to be sedentary all the time.

..

Lately, when the queen had been awake, she was irritable and listless and often took it out on him. Devin did his best to lift her spirits because he wanted her to feel as elated as he was, but he knew she felt the same despite the occasional angry outbursts. But being there with her was the simplest way to change her mood.

The baby was due any day now; at least, that is what the healers had predicted. Now all of Thais waited for news about their new prince or princess to the throne as did the blessed parents.

..

Now nearly a year later, or roughly 11 moons, King Devin and Queen Alicia Pendragon ruled Thais well. They had successfully reformed the corrupted orphanage and closed down the brothel in the southern part of the kingdom. Crimes had also been reduced significantly because of tightened security and increased vigilance. All was done to ensure that Thais was safe and prospered upon the arrival of the new heir or heiress-to-be.

..

A few months after they married, minor earthquakes had shaken the isles, leaving all the populations somewhat worried and superstitious over the cause of the tremors. The prophets, as usual, had said it was nothing good, but were not specific. However, the vast majority kept a close watch over anymore odd happenings, whether it was natural or unnatural.

..

Devin had discovered that shortly after his wedding to Alicia, his dear sister Lidia had sadly perished. The circumstances of her death were unknown, since he received the news after the first earthquake. Hysteria had developed, and traveling had become out of the question for him as king. Devin mourned the loss of his sister until they discovered that Alicia was expecting. The news had brought great happiness and joy to both since.

..

The new king was willing to take another tantrum after a few more minutes of pleasant quietness. He wanted his queen to wake up to show her a surprise he had for the baby. He leaned closer to her face and felt the warmth of her breathing as he brushed her soft hair away from her closed eyes. One at a time, kissing each open, hoping this would be a good day for them both. Alicia's eye lids peeled open with each kiss. Her blue eyes were dense with tiredness, but she threw her hands around his head and pulled him towards her lips.

"Honey, I have a surprise for you!" Devin said excited as he pulled away. He was glad that she had awakened in a good mood...so far.

"What? A surprise? Are you going to have a duel with me?...If it has nothing to do with my rapier, then I do NOT want it!" Alicia cautioned furiously.

So much for hoping she would feel better, he thought, but he knew exactly what to do and kissed her again. Alicia had been and still was frustrated because she had not touched her rapier in months and had even attempted to fight him a few times within their quarters; so he had no choice but to keep it from her.

"Alicia, come on. It will do you some good to get up. I promise it will be worth it!" Devin persisted, as he helped a stubborn, seething, Alicia up.

"You're not the one like this! Now I know why mother only had me!"

"Ah, woman! You'll want more!-I want more!" Devin confessed, practically yelling to calm her down.

"Do you mean it, Devin?...I've been so horrible this way…Oh my, what if it's a she?! Devin, I don't not want her getting any pressures to marry-Not like me! I'm so lucky to have you, my sweet love!" Alicia said frantically as she clung to him.

Devin then helped her get dressed. He went to the dresser and handed her something nice and warm to wear.

"Uh...Alicia, maybe we can bend the rules, dear…If it's a little prince or princess, perhaps, our child can become regnant king or queen when it is time. But, we have a long time before we'll retire; and until then, we don't have to think much about who the child will marry right now. And who knows, maybe our child will have found happiness by then... But I'll see what I can do when the time is right, honey."

"Oh, Devin, I don't think that consort will let you. I only hope we can fire him soon. Father never needed a consort, why do we?..." Alicia trailed off as she combed her hair.

Devin remained silent admiring her loveliness and unpretentious grace, as the sunlight beamed more through the window, lighting all her features. Suddenly, he found himself staggered by her beauty as she turned to face him ready to leave.

"What? What are you looking AT?!...You're thinking of her-Talia! Aren't you?! You're a horrible man, Devin Pendragon! You really are! I hate you BOTH!" she bawled and began to sob in his arms.

"Alicia, I am NOT thinking of anyone but you!... I married you, remember?!" Devin assured her, wanting to laugh, but he forced himself not to.

He had mentioned Talia in reference to their journey several weeks ago, and ever since, Alicia would accuse him of still loving her. But this was as bad as it would get. Afterwards, she would quietly mumble obscenities and pretend as if nothing had happened. For that reason, Devin did not dare mentioning Talia under any circumstances.

"Devin...what shall we name our baby?" Alicia asked, as they walked down the corridors. His eyes widen from the anticipation of another big fit.

Again, the last time they had discussed any baby names she had assumed that he would be cruel enough to name it 'Talia' if it was a girl.

But before anything else could be said, they reached their short destination and faced a door.

"This is it? My old room? With every resource at your hands, this is what..." Alicia was cut off as Devin ignored her and pushed the door open.

Her once dolled-up pink room had been converted to a nursery, equip with everything for the coming child.

"...Devin...it's not the right colors!" Alicia suddenly complained. "I wanted blues, not whites!"

"Oh, bah! We don't even know what it is yet. But this isn't all I have for her or him!" Devin responded in his defense.

As they went further into the room, Alicia picked a teddy up to carry, feeling more cheerful now. Devin then led her out to the courtyard.

"Oh Devin, they're so cute!" Alicia gasped upon seeing two of each kittens and pups running around the courtyard. A colorful parrot had been placed on a handmade branch, crocking gibberish. Alicia looked up and saw a brown bat perched in a tree; but then blinked a little in shock to see a miniature tiger sleeping in the shade of a tree nearby.

"I'm glad that I was finally able to please you," Devin said relieved by her impressed reaction.

"You did go a little over board, don't you think? Is it because you miss your pest family in Animalville?"

"Okay...you got me! I do miss them just a little. And I still want to make the trip to Candar. I hear they sell special magic pets in some farm there," Devin said hoping she wouldn't say no.

"Devin, we will have to talk later about them...I'm feeling tired. Can we go back inside?" Alicia panted as she wrapped her arm around him. Though, Devin looked at her worried.

Snow began to fall again, as they walked a few paces to the entry way, when Alicia suddenly wailed in pain.

"It is time, Alicia? I think the baby is coming!" Devin said quickly and picked her up to carry her inside, as she fussed even louder. He saw the maid on the way back to their chambers and ordered her to get the healers and advise the consort and chancellor of Alicia's labor.

For the rest of the day, Devin waited eagerly outside their chambers. He walked up and down the hall, angered that the healers had made him stay outside. He heard Alicia moaning and screaming at times, in agony and ran towards the door at those precise moments, ready to storm inside.

The Consort and Chancellor came for some hours and left close due to nightfall.

Tailor had also come to wait with Devin during his guard shift. He remained there with his buddy and king, for as long as he was needed. He patted Devin on the back once in a while to comfort him, since Devin stayed mute in order to listen for Alicia's voice.

"Devin-n-n-n! Devin-n-n-n-n!" Alicia suddenly screamed, painfully, in anguish.

No longer able to contain himself, he pushed Tailor who tried to restrain him and flung the door open.

"I am king and I demand to stay with the queen!" Devin yelled angrily at the two healers who were with her. They hesitantly permitted him to stay after a brief quarrel and finally consented.

Devin kneeled by Alicia's side and stroked her forehead for the rest of the night.