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DUBROVKA PALACE UNDER ATTACKED LAST NIGHT, the newspaper headline stated.
During an uneventful evening, the royal palace of Moravell was attacked by unknown terrorists. Sources say these terrorists wore black masks and held guns at their disposal. We have no information as to why there was an attack, although palace officials have informed the public that the royal family is safe and were relocated to an unnamed safe house for the time being. This attack was likely directed at the future king, HRH Arwin Dubrovka, and his wife, the newly crowned Princess, HRH Calista Halvorsen Dubrovka, after the revelation of his identity in their grand wedding last month.
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Arwin sighed, taking his eyes off the article he read. It had been two days since the attack and they were still in the safe house. Who knows if there will be another attack? Once the palace was cleared, they will be allowed to head back.
"Your Highness," a voice called from the door. "Your presence is requested at the King and Queen's suite."
"I'll be there," he replied, propping himself to stand, "Have you seen my wife?"
"Her Highness is with your youngest sister, sir. Would you like me to fetch her?"
"No, thank you. You are dismissed." the door shut closely and he let himself take a deep breath. He wondered what his wife and sister were doing. Maybe in the gardens, taking a stroll in the lovely weather? His sister was only ten years old but had the intelligence of an adult.
He headed out of his makeshift 'study' with an accompanied guard. The King, his father, requested for them to have at least one guard at all times. It was a necessary precaution for their safety.
The said guard walked behind his trail, unnoticed. Arwin contemplated whether to make a stop in the gardens or head straight for his parent's suit. He chose the latter, a little bit bothered that he was not able to see the two.
The prince spoke once he passed the threshold of his beloved parents' suite. "You asked for my presence?"
"Yes, dear." Queen Lilith acknowledged, "Please, take a seat."
At the sight of his parents, Arwin couldn't help but have some suspicion. It was not likely for them to call him alone; it was usually with his other siblings unless it was something important--for the kingdom.
He spotted his father laid in the cushions of the king-sized bed. He was frail than the last time he saw him, a little over a week ago. He smiled softly and his father returned the gesture, in a crooked manner. "Father."
King Rupert managed to give out, "I am getting older, son."
He knew that. He was well aware of it. His parent's reign has lasted more than a monarch should. They have ruled for fifty years when they were only allowed for forty years. At the time of their fortieth year, Arwin was merely eighteen years old. He was of legal age to rule once he turned eighteen but he felt as if it was not his time yet. It still was not. Well, at least not after a year or two from now. He was just recently married and they expect him to take over the throne?
"I am well aware, father." he knew where this conversation was going but he shut his thoughts from speaking out loud.
"Your father and I would like to move your coronation a month from now, on your first hosted ball. We know it is early, given that you have recently committed to a relationship, but it is time for the sake of the kingdom. You need to prioritize your kingdom, your people, especially during this time." his mother was right in a way. He had been putting this off for quite a while now, and now that his people have seen him, they have gotten rather eager for his rule to begin. "Please, we are asking this as your parents, not as rulers. As you can see, we are getting older and older by the day. The kingdom needs you. We need you."
He nodded, "In a month's time, I will be crowned as the next King of Moravell." There was nothing he could do to prevent it, he knew it would come eventually. He was not ready to accept it. "What about my wife?"
"What of her?" it was the King's turn to respond. "She will become Queen."
"She's not ready for the role," Arwin argued, "She's been adjusting to the role as princess, and now she will be queen? She would need more time, father."
"Calista will become Queen once she bears the next heir. Once you are King, she will have the title of Princess Consort." his mother explained elaborately, "I assume you are fulfilling your duties to provide an heir?"
Coming from his mother, the prince was not sure if he could keep up a straight face. It was kind of embarrassing for his parents to ask about his sexual life. To answer the question, yes, they are trying. They have consumed their marriage the day after, on the first day of their honeymoon. Doing the act was one of the things he expected they would do a year from now, not the day after their wedding. But it was pure bliss with awkwardness.
Back to reality, he nodded. He was too stunned to form a reply and he wondered what was going on in their minds, to process that fact they knew about their sonʼs sexual activity.
"I cannot wait to finally have grandchildren! Oh, they would be spoiled so much. I can already tell it." the queen spoke to her husband, "They are going to be such beautiful babies. Calista's eyes are such..."
How the tables have turned. They were talking about the future of the kingdom, and next they were talking about their future grandchildren.
"May I be dismissed? I would like to get back to work." he would also like to inform his wife of the month they were going to have. It was going to be a whirlwind—the changes they would have to make to the ball; start new invitation cards, additional fittings, rearrange the guest list, and others.
It did not take long to find Calista with her endearing clothing. Situated in the lush garden, she was alone on a bench. Her gaze focused upfront, on the ten-year-old princess who had been playing with her for the past hour. She was sound asleep in the mushy grass, "Hey."
Calista looked up, surprised to see her husband in the garden. She didnʼt peg him as someone who visits nature, but she could be the reason he was out in the first place. Truthfully, she did not expect him to see her today, at least not until it was the evening when they dined together, "Hello."
"Getting to know my youngest sister?"
She laughed, "She saw me here. Thought I could use the company and we ended up playing pretend until she grew tired and sleepy. I was actually on my way to find you or her nanny, but then the heel of my shoe broke and I stumbled." her hand pointed to her bruised feet near the ankles.
"Does it still hurt? I can have someone bring a salve to use." He knelt down. The way he examined the injury was charming. He knew where to look and touch. She became too entranced watching him and notice he spoke. "Let me fetch a servant for the salve, as well as call Anicaʼs nanny. I'll be back, Calla."
Flutters erupted in her stomach, she liked it when he called her with that cute nickname he created. It was heartwarming but of course, she would not tell him that in person.
"Yes, sure."
Arwin couldnʼt help but kiss the top of her head before leaving. He knew they were alone but not that alone. The guards stationed in the gardens and their individual personal guards were with them, watching and assessing the surroundings.
He arrived within five minutes, flanked by two servants and a lady-in-waiting. "I figured you would want a new pair of footwear after applying the ointment."
"Thank you, Kath and Paisley." the princess smiled warmly at the two. "You have been helpful. I can manage on my own now."
The prince looked at his wife solemnly. He admired her authoritative attitude among the people surrounding her, despite the little lessons and adjustments she had. She was calculating and sophisticated, you did not want to mess with her.
"I was thinking..." he started unknowingly, not sure how to open the conversation.
"Hmm?"
"When should we start trying?" the tone was calm but Calista could tell he was nervous to ask.
"For a child?" she asked, to which he nodded. It took a moment for her reply, "I could be pregnant around this time. It's been a while since the day of conception." Her cheeks heated up at the last sentence. She had not forgotten the day they conceived. The memory was still livid to her. His touch was fire. The way he moved against her drove her wild with desire.
"Do you want to make an appointment? We can schedule one for tomorrow." the thought of having a mini Arwin or Calista terrified him. He was not ready to raise a child but he knew he would eventually have to after the events of their honeymoon.
Calista nodded at his words, choosing not to speak. Instinctively, her hand went to the flatness of her stomach. She knew it was early to show but she didnʼt mind. Soon she would be having a bump. Carrying a child—the heir of this inevitable kingdom. She was not sure if she felt ecstatic or petrified by the mere thought of having one.
"I'd like to reschedule the appointment this afternoon," Arwin heard his wife saying abruptly. His questioning gaze made her compelled to further justify the statement. "I, uh, I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. Itʼs gone in an instant."
That was not true. It got more difficult and stronger.
As soon as it hit, another wave of pain crashed through her insides. Particularly, it was the abdomen. "Ah..."
"Are you alright?" worry etched on his facial features. "We should head to the clinic."
"I think itʼs my upcoming cycle. But, it was supposed to start in two weeks and I havenʼt had this kind of pain before during the first day." his wife wanted to argue. She knew she would be fine. He had nothing to worry about.
He dismissed her, "Youʼre bleeding, Calista. I donʼt think women bleed like rushing water."
The prince had a point. Her blood flow was low, and it was unusual for a female to bleed as much as she was doing at the moment. She shut her mouth, complying with her husband as he led him to the hallway. He carried her bridal style halfway through, after hearing her grunts of complaint from the pain.
"Your Highnesses," one of the standby nurses rushed towards them, "Is there something wrong?"
"My wife is bleeding and it is unusual." Arwin started to explain further on, while Calista was being assisted to enter one of the rooms and settle in. There was a small crowd in an instant, nurses rushing in to do whatever that was needed to be done.
She was not aware of what happened afterward after falling unconscious. What she was that she woke up with a nauseous mind and overhearing a conversation.
"Your Highness," a feminine voice cut through the four walls, "I send my deepest condolences."
"Arwin?" it was a soft mumble. She was not sure if he heard her, but he did. She did not want to open her eyes, however, it became overbearing. Her eyes fluttered slowly, adjusting to the bright luminescence light before focusing on the person on her right. Her husband.
"Calista?" he was smiling softly. His eyes brightened at the sight of his wife, who had woken up.
"I shall give you two a moment alone. If you would excuse me," the female--who was a doctor, concluded. She waited for the prince's nod of approval before slipping away to the door.
Her voice was groggy, "Hey."
"Hi, you're all right." he strokes the strands of her hair before continuing, "You were pregnant."
Were?
"What happened?"
"You were three weeks along. The fetus was healthy but did not manage to survive after being exposed to alcohol. The doctor had to perform a procedure to empty the uterus." his eyes held sadness. He reached for her hand, grasping it through his. "There was nothing they could do to prevent. You were already experiencing a miscarriage. I'm sorry, bellísima."
She could not believe it.
For the first time in her life, she wept. She wept for the baby she did not have a chance to carry. For the baby she did not have a chance to love. The baby she did not have a chance to spend time with, even if they were inside her womb.
Calista was unsure which pain was worse--the shock of what had happened or the ache for what never will.
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