To Make Me Happy

Ch. 15: The Dreaded Answer

Miranda sat, silent as her thoughts took her back many months ago.

He sighed. "It pains me to see you like this, but I'm doing what must be done Miranda. Truly, I am. You will grow to love Dentwood and you will be happy."

"No," Miranda replied coldly. "I won't."

How odd to think he was right all along. She truly was happy with Dentwood now. She loved him, and she knew he loved her. They were expecting a child and she positively glowed with coming motherhood.

But there still seemed to be a glitch in her happiness, resting in the back of her mind most days, but fairly prominent today. Catspaw. She had not seen or spoken to him since her outburst in the hall. It hadn't really bothered her. She was thankful that he gave her space and time to forgive him. He had proven himself worthy of it this time.

But now she wondered how this news of her pregnancy would affect him. For even though his prediction was right, and she was very happy with Dentwood, she knew he wasn't happy with his wife.

Miranda feared he was sinking into a deep depression….And she knew she couldn't help. As far as she knew, Arianna had grown no closer to the temperamental king. She was rarely seen in the kingdom, for she spent most of her time locked away. But what could she do for him? She sighed. He wasn't her responsibility.

She placed her hand on her still flat tummy and smiled. She would be a mother in about eight months. There would soon be the patter of a small child's feet running about. Emily was already putting the child together a wardrobe, positively ecstatic on her upcoming grandchild.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Catspaw paced his sitting room, his thoughts a huge storm brewing in his head. He was beginning to here talk here and there about Miranda and Dentwood. Rumor had it they were expecting a child.

He hadn't seen Miranda in weeks. He had given her more than enough time to forgive him, but now he was to ashamed to face her. He had done her wrong on more than one occasion.

But now he had to know the truth. Was she truly pregnant? Was she really going to have a child with Dentwood? The questions burned in the forefront of his mind all that morning until he had finally called for Seylin. He paced now as he awaited the elf's arrival.

Catspaw was so deep in thought that the knock on the door startled him. "Come in!" he quickly called. The door swung open and Seylin strode in, giving a short bow.

"You wanted to see me your majesty?" His tone was formal and Catspaw could tell that he was still angry over the last incident. But he sucked in his breath and continued.

"Seylin…It's been to long. I, ah..have been hearing rumors throughout the kingdom."

Seylin inclined his head. "And what rumors would those be sir?"

Catspaw took a deep breath. "That Miranda is expecting a child." He anticipated the dreaded answer. And as soon as Seylin nodded his head, he felt his heart sinking. He loved her, more than he would ever admit. And now he had gone and lost her to another man. He felt like he couldn't stand anymore. He sank down in to the nearest chair and put his head in his hands.

It was as if his world had just shattered and he didn't know what to do with himself anymore. He couldn't handle this with anyone around him.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice weak. "Please…please leave." Seylin only nodded his head and complied to the king's request, not sure what else to do. Once alone, the king did something he had not done since he was a little boy. He wept. He wept from deep within his heart.

How had all this happened? He had had everything going for him. A woman who liked him, who could have grown to love him. A kingdom of people who adored him, or at least used to, and overall a good life.

And now, he had thrown it all away. His tears were bitter and hopeless. And he couldn't seem to stop them. He heard a creak from the door and quickly wiped as many tears as possible, but knew the evidence would still be all over his face. When he looked up, his heart nearly stopped when he saw Miranda standing in his doorway.

END CHAPTER

So here it is and hope you love it!

p.s. My friends back now. I'm pretty ok.