The Heir In Disguise

flurry of frantic whispers, hands shaking as they tried to ease her through the agonizing labor. The room was dimly lit by flickering candles, casting shadows acr

ed, her voice trembling. "Push, just a lit

Her breath came in sharp gasps, and her eyes squeezed shut as another wave of

!" she cried, he

g at the foot of the bed, wiping the queen's sweat-soak

every ounce of strength. There was a sharp, almost sickening sound

aby e

o the waiting hands of the midwife. The queen's heart raced, hope glim

ething wrong with his tiny limbs, twisted in a way that made the queen's breath catch in he

ferent," one of the midwives whisp

she looked upon her son, his eyes s

voice raw, her heart si

olve further, another wave of pain surged throug

gasped, her eyes

ough gritted teeth, she gave a sharp command,

voice thick with emotion. "Except my daugh

he queen's gaze was fierce. Slowly, they began to file out of the room, leaving

yes wide with both pain and fear. She could feel the secon

ream, the secon

as a

licate form-and her heart fell. The room, now eerily silent save for

sical. She knew the consequences of this moment. A

her side, eyes wide with understanding and sadness. "You must carry th

anhood, nodded quietly, knowing that

***

eks ea

***

nths E

the kingdom's looming crisis. The flickering light of the torches cast long shadows across the stone walls, amplifying the unease

as he addressed the room. "The enemy marches on our borders. They seek to divide us, to take

te? You speak of unity, yet our lands have bled for years under your rule! Why should we sa

ement rippled t

t King Gareth, his ally and counterpart, hoping for suppor

. The threat we face is not just Aldred's-it is ours. If their armies breach our borders, they w

ilence, the weight of Garet

ension. "The decision has already been made. We p

ks and murmuring amongst themselves. The meeting had not

of the table, leaned back in his chair with a calculating look in hi

deceptively casual. "Before you

he back of his chair. "What about her?"

nd that rarely bore good intentions. "I hear s

ly, choosing his words carefull

tion. "Well, let us hope it is good news this time," he said, his voice dripping wi

d been filing out paused mid-step, their eyes darting nervously between

rip tightened on the chair. Slowly, he turned to face

ugh there was an unmistakable edge of danger to it. "They are the pride of my

k surrender. "But surely even you can understand the importance of an heir. A son. One to secure your lega

shadow over the seated king. "Mind your tongue, Aldred," he warned, his voi

ld, unyielding stare. But before the tension could escalate further

r more pressing matters to focus on than domestic affairs. T

to step back. Without another word, he turned and strode