REIGN

15

ALEX

As I entered into my quarters, pain filled my heart as tears rolled down my cheeks. I fell on the floor as guilt and regret flooded me

I'm sorry Mia. I'm truly sorry. I'm a coward.

A bottle of wine was in my hand and I had hopes in it to take this pain away. With one gulp of the wine, my vision became blurry and I couldn't seem to comprehend all around me

"Alex why are you like this?" a familiar voice asked

"Mia?" I hoped

I looked up although not seeing clearly, her face was bright. She was here. My heart was filled with hope.

"I'm sorry for not keeping to my words. I never meant to hurt you." I poured as I cried.

"Alex I'm not offended in any way" she said.

"I love you" I said as I pulled her into my embrace not wanting to let her go.

"I'm here now" she whispered.

My pain seemed to be lesser now, although still not able to see well since I'm in my drunken state. My legs wiggled as I tried to balance. She held me firm and supported me until I was comfortable on my bed. I held her hand firmly afraid I would lose her again.

"Don't leave me" I begged

"I'm here. I'm not going anywhere" she smiled as she sat beside me on the bed.

My hands held her face lightly as tears fell from my eyes. I hoped I wasn't dreaming and this was real. My face got closer to hers and my lips felt the softness of her lips. A rush of passion overwhelmed me and I wanted nothing but to fulfil this lust in me. The kiss deepened and a hunger to get what we want controlled us. I loosened the lace to her dress and had my way with her.

***

My head ached as I welcomed the dawn of the day. My eyes blinked multiple time until it stabilized with the energy the sun shot. I looked beside me and noticed a figure with auburn hair as she slept gracefully

What happened last night?

I sighed as I thought of how pathetic I was. I had spent the night with Arenila. How? Then I remembered the alcohol. I was simply taken advantage of. Things never got better day after day.

I had on my clothes and resumed my stay at the study room. I have no choice now but to forward our wedding.

Two weeks later, our wedding commenced and Arenila was declared Queen. I suddenly felt emotionless to everything around me. I was surrounded with people yet I felt very lonely, trapped and pushed to do things against my will.

A few weeks later it was made known to me by the palace doctors Arenila's pregnancy

"Congratulations Your Majesty" he greeted and silence responded as I never took my gaze of the book I was reading.

He left awkwardly and Clint came in.

"Did you drink that night?" He asked

"That doesn't matter" I stated still focused on the book I was reading

"Mia is pregnant too. It's two months old" He added.

I paused in my reading and my eyes met his immediately. Sadness clouded my heart and guilt as well. I couldn't bring myself to ask anything.

"She seemed to have recovered quicker than expected" he said

"That's a relief" I said coolly as I continued reading

I really hope she gets better and move on with her life. As for me, I don't think I would be able to recover for a while. In some way, I found peace being in this study room. Sometimes I could just think back to the times I had with Mia. How we first met, the love we made, our friendship. The memories stayed with me.

****

MIA

My water broke as I walked outside to prepare dinner. Had time gone by that fast? Pain flooded through me as I searched for the nearest place to sit.

"Mother!!" I called

She joined me quickly and noticed the state I was in.

"Oh my, the baby's here" she squealed as she helped me into the house.

I breathed quickly as I tried to control the force under me. This child really is eager to come out.

"Alright Mia, breathe gently, you'll be fine" Mother consoled

"Okay mother" I said with hope.

She helped me walk gently into the house and had me lay gently on the bed with my legs spread apart.

"Okay Mia" she held my knee caps and my hands squeezed the bed sheets tightly "Push"

With all the energy in me I forced the child out of me and as soon as he came out, a loud groan escaped my mouth.

"You did it" Mother praised as the cry of a child followed. "It's a boy"

Tears escaped my eyes as I took the blood covered child in my arms. He had His eyes, a smile crept on my face as I caressed his face.

The memory of Alex never left my heart. As much as I tried to forget him, he was unforgettable. Mother had always been my comfort and I was grateful to have her by my side always.

"Noah" I spoke. "His name is Noah" I smiled.

ALEX

I was in my study room as I heard all the commotions around. Arenila was in labour and was having a tough time.

"Will you always remain in here?" Cornelius asked as Clint stood by His side

"What is it of concern to you?" I asked not lifting my eyes from the book I was reading.

"The Queen needs you." He stated. "She's having a hard time put to bed." He added

"She has maids and the Doctors" I emphasised.

"Sire" he called almost sounding frustrated.

Can everyone just leave me alone?

I sighed and stood up quickly from my chair. I walked out of my study room and moved to Arenila's Quarters.

"Push" the nurses spoke and groans followed.

I stood beside her and watched her in the state she was in. I wondered how Mia would have conceived. Was she also having a hard time?

I squatted until my face levelled with Arenila. I stroked her forehead and gave a short smile.

"You'll be fine. You can do this." I said

She had hope in her eyes as she took my hand in hers. With one last effort, the voice of a baby was heard next.

"My Queen, you did it. You have a boy" the nurses squealed.

"Your Majesty, congratulations." The doctor greeted

"Congratulations" All greeted.

And with this I felt a greater weight, much more responsibilities. Is it time to accept this fate?

I returned to my study room and my thoughts were of Mia.

"She had a boy too" Clint said as he entered into the room "Mia" he added

My eyes lit up with happiness. "Since when?" I asked

"About two months ago" he said

I sighed and fell gently on my chair. This is what fate wants for me.