Chapter 13: Backstories
It was the next morning. James and Sofia were getting dressed in their master bedroom. "Hey James," said Sofia. "Yes Sof," he said. "Can you hand my heels and makeup?" she asked. "Sure, but Sof, I thought you going to start wearing flats instead of heels for the sake of the babies. Also, I told you numerous times you don't need makeup. You look gorgeous with it." "Thanks but never told I couldn't wear heels. And two if you have noticed; I look like a ghost without my makeup in the winter. When spring and summer came around at least, I get a little tan to give me some color." she responds. He said,"Sof, you look radiant with your pale skin. I'm just concern because last night you couldn't take off these heels a result of having swollen feet. We need to hurry up before Baileywick came to tell us; we're late for the bunch." Then, there was knock on the door. "Enter!" yells the couple. In walks Baileywick, to inform them that brunch is ready in the Royal Garden. "Great!",yells Sofia, "What did I tell you, James." "Sof, you just said like ten seconds before he knocks on the door," James responds. "It's fine your majesties. I'll just your parents their children will be few minutes late. replies Baileywick. "What Amber not ready?!" said Sofia. "No, but she waits on the maid to come back with her laundry," responds Balieywick. "Oh right she doesn't have any clothes here," said James. Baileywick says,"Exactly, my king but if you'll excuse me I have other matters to attend to at the moment." "Oh Baileywick will you send a message to to tell him; he needs to come today or tomorrow instead of Saturday," said James. "Why?" asked Sofia. "Sof, your feet are swollen and I don't want any other visitors while my mother is here this weekend," James said. "Okay," says Sofia. "Will do your majesty," responds Baileywick.
In Amber's bedroom, she frantically paced around waiting for her clothes to arrive from the laundry. A knock on the door. "Please come in," she says. "Princess Amber, I've been informed that your clothes from Zander's have arrived. Would you like me to send them up?" asked Baileywick. "Yes please," she responds. "Okay," Baileywick says.
In the Royal Garden, Roland and Miranda sat at the table enjoying goldenberry pancakes with maple syrup, yogurt and granola, and tea. While they were waiting for their children, they were discussing the current events that have taken place. "Rollie, what are we going to do?" questioned Miranda. "I'm not sure," Roland says uncertainly. "Well... the kids are going have questions for us, so I believe we have to say something," explains Miranda. "I agree completely Miranda but what are we to say to them." trembles Roland. " You know, Rollie. I always had a feeling something would happen to cause the past to be revived. I hoped I would have been wrong." groans Miranda. With uncertainty and worries in their hearts and mind, Roland and Miranda sat in silence the rest of the time. The young adults walked through the castle. They stop, when saw their parents faces through the window. It was at that moment, they realize just how much this family was going to change. With gloominess in the atmosphere, they made their way outside to the gazebo in the Royal Garden. "Good morning," Sofia says cheerfully. Trying ease the current mood a little bit. "Oh, good morning," Roland responds. "Is everything okay?" asked James. " Why, yes." Miranda states. "No!" shouts Amber while slamming her fist on the table. "Daddy and Mom, we saw you sitting here upset. Why?" Amber expressed. "Well Amber, the truth is we're a little worried about how you and siblings will respond considering, some of this is deep," replied Roland. They nod to tell their parents, they are aware. "I'll start if that's okay with you dear," states Roland. "That's fine, Rollie,"Miranda replies.
*FLASHBACK* It was a month before my twentieth birthday. My father was telling me how the peace agreement between Enchancia and Dia stated; I would marry the princess of Dia. I didn't want to marry a princess; I didn't know. My father insisted I do so or Enchancia was going to war. The month after my birthday was our wedding. We had a luxurious wedding with more than five thousand guests from all the neighboring kingdom. The first year of ruling the kingdom with your mother was a nightmare. Since I promised my father, I would do anything to keep the peace between Dia and Enchancia. I allowed her to put Enchancia in debt. So the twins could have the most luxurious nursery in all the kingdoms. Fast forward to the twins third birthday, where your mother claims Amber insisted on a birthday cake that went from ceiling to floor. Not to mention we still had some cake a year later. At the age of three, James had tantrums; where he threw vases and expensive dishware, break wooden furniture and so much more. And all your mother would say is that boy of yours is messing up my luxurious castle. "YOU NEED TO PUT A STOP TO THIS!" she exclaimed. After a while, she had enough of my "bad" parenting and decided to take matters into her own hands. I don't know how many times; James had a black eye or a broken bone. Every time I asked how it happens, he always would say; Mommy said not to tell anyone. Upon hearing; I told my father, I wanted a divorce. He said," Son, remember the peace agreement." I replied sadly," O'course father." "That's my boy," he said happily. Seven months later, she did something I couldn't let her get away with." Before continuing the story Roland asked James was he okay with him telling the rest of the story. James nods to his father. "It was the latter part of October, James has the flu. She and I had an argument over adopting a baby from a foster care in the kingdom of Solia. She decided to go give James his dinner that night. She never came back to the dining room for dinner herself. Baileywick and I decided to go looking for her. After an hour of searching most of the castle, we decided to check the hall with bedrooms. We checked our room and Amber's room; she wasn't in either of those rooms. Then, we started walking towards James' room. As we walked up to his door, we heard some strange noises. I decided to skip knocking and just walk in since I thought it was James snoring. When I open the door, I saw something that made me blinked to make sure I wasn't seeing things. Without a doubt, I wasn't seeing things. I throw a blanket to James, so he could cover up his body. Then, I yelled for guards to come get her. I proceed to follow her to the dungeon. Once in the dungeon, I asked her what was she doing. To which she responds," I was caring for my son." By have... I was too choked up and angry to say it. I told her actions would be reported and I wanted a divorced. If, it meant war then so be it. My father was furious with me for calling for a divorce along with some nobility but my mother and the villagers respected my decision. About a month later, she was charged and sent back to Dia. Her father decided to keep the peace between our kingdoms for James and Amber's sake. I received custody and your mother wasn't allowed to visit or to speak either of you until you turned 18. I spent the next year trying to raise James and Amber myself by thankfully, I found true love. We married a year later.
Roland kissed Miranda. "Oh wow, now I get why this was hushed," Sofia says. "Yeah!" said James sadly. "Wait, Mother said the divorce was because you didn't want Belle a baby from Solia. To be honest, this makes more sense for reason to divorce." Amber responds. "I did want to adopted baby Belle, but I told your mother. She needed to give James the same love and attention that she gave you. To which she said," I will when that boy of yours learns to appreciate luxury. I know things were only going to get worse for James." Roland expressed. Miranda cries,"I'm sorry you had to go through that James." "If only we could get these anger spells under control," states Roland. "Dad, it's called anger issues like said back when I was five. Besides with Sof, Amber and Mom and you here to help me. I am sure; I'll be able to keep my anger under control for the weekend while the wicked witch of the west visits." James remarks. "James, that's rude!" exclaimed Amber. "She's right, James. You shouldn't have called your mother that," states Roland. "But Dad, she is," James replied. I know you didn't have a great relationship with your mother, but I need you to behave yourself this weekend." Roland demands. James replies,"Okay." "Thank you," says Roland happily.
"Now it's my turn.", said Miranda, "where to start." "Oh I know," she states. *Flashback* "I had just turned eighteen; my father the Duke of Galdiz was planning a ball for me to pick a suitor. Since my father invited nobility and royalty, I had lots of potential suitors to choose from. I spent the night mingling with my suitors. At one point during the night, I saw a guy standing in the corner by himself. I went over to him. His name was Birk. He was from the kingdom of Freezenburg. We talked for hours that night. My father was happy; I found someone to start courting. Even though he didn't like that Birk was a shoemaker's son from Freezenburg. My father allowed us to court for six months before I moved to Freezenburg with Birk. In Freezenburg, I learned how to cook for the first time from Birk's mother along with sewing and shoemaking. A year and a half later, I became pregnant with Dustin. Birk couldn't be more happy to have a son. Dustin was a very active child. He didn't like to sit still or whisper. He loved to help make shoes with his father and me. Living in Freezenburg became difficult for us. Birk decided to get a job in the market so our family could have food that winter. Leap ahead to Christmas, a day I had been looking forward to. It appeared things didn't go as planned, Birk didn't have the money for a present for Dustin. I tried to lighten the mood by telling Birk. We would be expecting our second child in late summer. He was upset with the thought of having another mouth to feed. He said,"I want to have another child, but he didn't think we can afford to have another child right now. I think it would be best to give this child up for adoption." I told him, "No if you don't want this child then I'll raise it on my own." "Wait, Miranda!" he yelled, but I was already out the door. As I trod across Northern Freezenburg to anywhere, only thought on my mind was to make sure this baby had a place to call home and that was full of love. I walked for days in the snow without food or water. I know, if I kept going I would find a place to call home. I continue my journey through many kingdoms, but none were worthy to call home. I was southeast of Dunnwitty. I asked a merchant if he would give a pregnant maid some bread and water. He refused. I decided to keep walking but I become too weak to continue. I passed out due to exhaustion and lack of nutrition. Luckily, someone came to my aid. That, someone, was Ms. Hemshaw. She also helped deliver my baby girl who I named Sofia. With the help of , I finally found a home for my baby. I believe you can figure out the rest on your own."
"Wow, mom you endure a lot to make sure I had a place to call home," Sofia said. "But mom why didn't you just back to Gladiz?" asked James. Miranda replied,"You see, James, I couldn't go back home because the agreement I made with my father." "What agreement?" asked James. "James, I believe she was getting to that," states Roland. "The agreement I made with my father was if I continue my courtship with Birk. I leave home and never return. At first, we kept in touch through letters, but then my father sent saying we had to stop communication because it became hard to keep up the lie, I ran away from home. "Mom, why would you walked across the kingdom of Freezenburg through four other kingdoms to finally stop in a village in Enchancia? It doesn't make sense," says Amber. "I know it doesn't make much sense Amber; considering Birk never harmed me or said anything to make me consider leaving. When I heard him mention adoption it reminded me of my childhood. I was in foster care. I couldn't put a child through that system. Without really thinking things through I grab my coat and left," replied Miranda. "Wow, a lot to process. Sof, care to walk to our secret garden and talk?" James says. "Not at all, James," replied Sofia. "Can I come too?" asked Amber. "Why of course." Sofia expressed. "One second, young royals I need to inform you that is in your Master bedroom James and Sofia," states Baileywick. "Thank you, Baileywick.", James said, "Shall we?" "Yes!" giggles Sofia.
In their bedroom, James and Sofia sat in their window seat while asked Sofia about the past month of her pregnancy. She told him," I had morning sickness few days this past month but not as bad as the previous month. Also, I'm getting really bad acid reflux and my feet are starting swell. "Thank you," he says. "Do we get to hear the heartbeats today?" asked James. "Yes your majesty," replies . "I'll go lie down on the bed," Sofia says. Once Sofia was laying down on the bed, Dr. Philps put the gel on her belly and slowly moved the monitor cross her belly. Within a few seconds, they heard their babies heartbeat. "Wow!" expressed James. "They seem to be excited after that," says Sofia.
"Indeed they do my queen," states, "They are healthy, too." " when will we know the gender of the babies?" asked Sofia. "Well Sofia, in about a month we should know but I want you to know the monitor isn't always accurate," replies . "Okay," said Sofia. "Have you been drinking alcohol?" asked . "Goodness no!", exclaims Sofia, "James and I don't drink alcohol of any kind anyway. I definitely wouldn't drink alcohol while pregnant. "Okay excellent," says Dr. Philps, " I suggest lower your salt intake and find shoes that aren't so tight to reduce some of that swelling. Also, limit how much citrus and tomato you eat to help the acid reflux and elevate your head when sleeping." "Thank you, ," says Sofia. "You are welcome my queen," replies . "James, I heard your mother will be visiting in a few days," says . "Yes, sir," James replies. " You do remember those breathing exercises to control your anger, yes?" asked . "Yes, I do Dr. Philps," replies James. "Please feel free to use them this weekend." states , "If not the royal estate isn't too far away from the castle. You could always go there if it becomes overwhelming here at the castle. "Excuse me, how do you know about the royal estate, it's supposed to be a secret." snaps James. "My apologies your majesties but I live in the countryside of Enchancia. On my way to work every morning I pass by the estate," explains . "Apology accepted . We'll keep your suggestion in mind this weekend," states Sofia. "See you next month," said as he leaves. "Dang, how could I forget about the royal estate," James said. "James, it's okay. Hopefully, we will not need to go there," said Sofia, " By the way how come I never knew about the estate." "The estate is the place we go if Enchancia was ever at war. It's a safe place. Not to mention according to dad, the estate has its own staff, so we have to learn everyone's name." replies James. "Baileywick, doesn't come to the estate with us?" asked Sofia. "I believe he does but I can't remember if he came with us when dad thought we were going to war with my mother's kingdom," says James. "I believe we both could use an escape from reality for a little while. Shall we head towards our secret garden?" asked Sofia. "Yes we shall but let's not forget Amber," replies James. "Indeed let's not forget her because she'll never forgive us."
After getting Amber to come with them. The three young royals trod through the snow to the secret garden. Inside the garden, the frozen lake glisten. The snow fell lightly from the sky. It was a beautiful winter's day. With nature's beauty around them, the young royals heavy minds instantly relaxed. Before long they were laughing and enjoying each other's company.
Hey readers,
This chapter had it all from drama to heartfelt romance. I hope you enjoyed. Please feel free to leave your comments and questions in the review section of this chapter. I thought about not included this but I am doing it anyway. This chapter was inspired by all recent awareness of sexual assault and my personal life. Public service announcement: I HAVE SOME NEWS. FIRST, HOLIDAYS ARE LITERALLY DAYS AWAY, SO UPLOADING CHAPTER 14 MAYBE IN LATE DECEMBER JUST LIKE THIS CHAPTER WAS THIS MONTH. SECOND, I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THE SLEEP TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT MY COLLEGE WHICH STARTS IN JANUARY. FROM JANUARY TO MAY OF 2018 THERE MAY ONLY BE ONE TO TWO CHAPTERS UPLOADED DURING THAT TIME. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.