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