The weather had cleared up and with it, all the citizens of Sindria had come out as Sinbad announced the birth of the first Royal Heir from the balcony which overlooked the entirety of the Kingdom of Sindria. Hologram images broadcasting the announcement appeared throughout every corner of Sindria with the help of Yamraiha's magic as each citizen looked up in anticipation.
"Nine months ago, the Royal Family was blessed with a Royal Heir. Today, on this day of this month, Her Royal Majesty the Queen has safely given birth to a Royal Prince, Prince Sikandar!" Sinbad declared, naming the child the name that Lucy had thought of previously with him if the child were to be a boy.
As if nothing had happened, he wore the perfect face of a King, hiding his emotions. His throat clenched up and his chest heaved with frustration and grief, knowing that there was no one to blame but him. He should've known the depth of affection the two held for one another but, he was the one who had been too arrogant and had underestimated their love. He should've never acted like that to Lucy but at that moment, he was overcome and overwhelmed with jealousy. Even now, he couldn't help but clench his teeth and ball his hands into fists knowing that the two were together. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to return back to her side and apologize to her.
The citizens cheered, celebrating the birth of the first Royal Heir of their Kingdom, celebrations already going underway as barrels of beer were propped outside of the many pubs and inns. The Generals, too, congratulated Sinbad with tears with the exception of Ja'far who was unable to look his King in the eye after knowing what he had done to Lucy. His loyalty had wavered and his trust in Sinbad was beginning to falter. But, he chose to continue believing in him for he knew the great affection that Sinbad held for Lucy, hoping that he would no longer stray from the right path now that he had faced the consequences of his decision.
"Will you be returning back to Her Majesty's side?" Ja'far asked, following Sinbad back inside the Palace.
Sinbad lowered his gaze in self-contempt. "A given," he answered. "I have to apologize to her."
"Then shall I call Masrur back?"
His brow twitched. "Are the two of them still together."
"I...can't say for certain."
He gritted his teeth. He wanted to separate the two and call back his approval for allowing Lucy to spend six months with her child and for placing Masrur by her side as her guard. But, it was all too late, and doing so would only leave doubt on his authority as King.
"She can spend time with her child but the Royal Prince is also her child," Sinbad said, referring to his son not by his name but by his title.
"I'm sure Her Majesty is well a-" Ja'far defended Lucy but was silenced by Sinbad.
"Ja'far," Sinbad said, his voice cold and harsh. "It is clear where her affection lies. More than this child, she loves that child more."
A bead of sweat rolled down his face, hoping that Sinbad wouldn't try to do anything to Lucy. "They are both Her Majesty's children."
Sinbad laughed. "I am her husband yet, I don't even have her full heart."
Ja'far gazed at his King with hesitant emerald eyes.
"If I didn't separate her from that child, maybe she wouldn't be so attached to the other," Sinbad murmured, knowing how fond of children Lucy was and her strong desire to the notion of "family".
Sinbad walked on down the long corridor and made his way to Lucy's personal chamber which she had returned back to during the last month of her pregnancy. With a hesitant and apologetic gaze, Sinbad gulped, and seeing Sinbad ready, Ja'far knocked on the door.
"Announcing His Majesty the King," Ja'far announced Sinbad's arrival.
"Come in."
The blinds were still closed, the room lit up by only the candles that were placed at the bedside. Sinbad gazed at her small and frail figure, her appearance no longer disheveled as Masrur had cleaned her up and changed her into a new nightgown. The sheets were cleaned and even the pool of blood that had stained the floor previously was rid of, leaving only a clean carpeted floor. But, Sinbad could see the redness under her eyes from all the crying and the fatigued look in her expression. She seemed calmer but, she seemed far more sickly than she had been during the start of her pregnancy. He wondered if it was the result of giving birth and remembering the outburst he had made, guilt weighed on his heart. It was the worst thing he could do to Lucy who had just given birth and was still overwhelmed by the whole situation.
"Sinbad."
His heart clenched up as he heard the soft whisper of his name, tears welling up in his eyes. No matter how weak and tired she seemed, she still remained beautiful in his eyes and he still loved every bit of her. The way she looked at him, the way she faintly smiled at him, and the affectionate tone with which she said his name despite all that he had done, he could only marvel at the extent of his feelings for her.
He still loved her. He truly loved her. With every fiber of his being.
Even if Masrur was the one standing by her side and he was overcome with jealousy, he could withstand it all. He simply wanted her love. He wanted her to be as she usually was with him.
"I'm sorry," he apologized, lowering his head in regret and guilt. "Even if you don't forgive me, I'm fine with that. So please," he knelt down on his knees, the tears rolling down his face, "don't hate me. Don't leave me, Lucy," his voice trembled as he raised his face, his amber eyes flickering with fear and endearment, the tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry."
It was the first time Masrur and Ja'far, and even Lucy had seen Sinbad like this. He had never been the type to show his emotions like this for if he needed to, he would do it silently where no one could see. Yet, here was, on his knees and apologizing profusely to Lucy with genuine tears rolling down his face. He clutched onto Lucy's bedsheet and though she had never been angry with him and had been the one to think of apologizing to him, she felt a lump form in her throat as tears began to well up in her eyes. Placing a hand over his, Sinbad looked up, and seeing her soft, affectionate, and pain-filled smile, he could only apologize for everything he had done to her.
"I'm sorry," he cried, his long, purple hair falling down by his side. "I'm truly sorry, Lucy."
"I should apologize for having not made my feelings clear enough," she said, knowing that it was her fault that he had made the decision he did, letting his emotions consume him.
He shook his head. "No. It's my fault."
"Sinbad..."
"Just let him apologize," Ja'far said, standing on Lucy's side in this matter. "He was and is still the one to blame. He should continue apologizing to you for the rest of your life."
"Ja'far..."
"You're too kind," Masrur said, patting her head. "You made your feelings clear enough. It's his fault for not seeing sooner. In that regard, he's exactly like the Kou Empire's Emperor."
It was the worst insult that Sinbad could get and though he would retort angrily, he was unable to, knowing that Masrur was right. Not wishing to repeat the same mistake, Lucy had made her feelings clear. It might not have been the clearest given that it was the first time she ever expressed her desire to want something but, since it was Lucy who had never shown a hint of desire, it should have been obvious as day. He was at fault for not realizing it. Had he realized, perhaps her and Masrur's relationship wouldn't have developed to where it is now.
Lucy stared at Sinbad and then at Masud who she was busy breastfeeding. "Then," she began, "will I still only have six months with this child?"
Sinbad widened his eyes and pursed his lips. Even now, she only thought of her child.
"Yes," he answered.
The tears rolled down her face and Masrur held her in his arms, hating Sinbad for doing this to her yet also hating himself for, given the current situation, it was the only and best choice.
"As you've said, I'll spend only six months with Masud," she said, pressing her forehead against his, the tears rolling down and dripping onto his cheek. "After that, I'll pretend that I don't have any connection with him."
Her voice cracked as she said the last sentence.
Sinbad buried his feelings. He was willing to do anything for her and grant any wish of hers. But, he was not so merciless as to raise another man's child as his. He wasn't going to become a laughingstock in the eyes of his people and most of all, let Lucy suffer from his decision. She, more than anyone else, knew why he had made his decision and knew that six months was already more than generous. If he wanted, he could shorten it to three months since Fanalis children matured quickly.
A wail sounded in the room and Lucy glanced at the child Sinbad held in his arms. Softening her eyes and hating herself for having neglected him, she turned back to Masud.
"Masud's just about done here so, let's feed Sikandar," she smiled, wiping Masud's mouth gently and patting him on the back to which he burped quickly before falling back asleep quietly.
Lucy smiled, having never seen a child as obedient and quiet as Masud was. But then again, she glanced at Masrur who took Masud from her and held him in his arms, that part of him was exactly like his father. Taking Sikandar from Sinbad, Sikandar quickly snuggled up to Lucy's touch and smiled happily. Seeing him smile, Lucy's heart clenched up and she smiled tearfully, realizing that she finally had a family she could call her own. She loved both Sikandar and Masud the same and when it came to Sikandar, she would spend the rest of her life raising but, for Masud, she could only hope that Sikandar would forgive her for spending more time with Masud during the next six months.
After about twenty minutes, Sikandar had his fill, too, as Lucy picked him up and held him, patting his back gently until he finally burped. Wiping his mouth, she smiled fondly.
"He looks exactly like you," she smiled.
"It'd be better if the child looked like you," he smiled in return. That way, perhaps I would love them more.
She chuckled. Caressing his face, Lucy watched him silently sleep and though she wore a smile, both Sinbad and Masrur noticed the exhaustion in her eyes. Having given birth to two kids and having been faced with the consequences, there was only so much her body and mind could bear. Sinbad took Sikandar from her and she reluctantly let go. But, seeing Sinbad's worried face, she smiled in understanding.
"Rest," he said. "This time, it's an order."
Masrur helped her lay down and Lucy chuckled. "I will listen to you."
He smiled hopelessly and affectionately at her, knowing that he didn't deserve her. As soon as she laid down, the fatigue consumed her as she knocked out, sleeping soundly for the first time in nine months. Watching her sleep, Sinbad, Masrur, and Ja'far smiled happily. Sinbad and Masrur reached to pat her head but stopped as they saw each other's hand. Glancing up at each other, the two narrowed their eyes, each one holding their respective child in their arms.
"Do not overstep your bounds as her guard," Sinbad warned.
"To the man who, supposedly is her husband, threatened her and forced her to make a decision, for what reason should I listen to your words?" Masrur's eyes flared up in anger.
Sinbad gritted his teeth. "If I could start all over again, I would've never let you two meet."
"Even if we hadn't by your hands, we would meet sooner or later. Fate is beyond the control of even the gods."
"You're saying your relationship was fate itself?"
"I am her guard. My sole purpose is to stand by her side and protect her. No matter what."
Sinbad smirked, amused yet hating Masrur's confidence. "You may have her heart but, like me, you don't have her full heart."
"I am content with being by her side," Masrur answered with a hint of bitterness.
"And I sincerely hope you're content with just that," Sinbad said, his amber eyes glowing sinisterly.
Ja'far gazed nervously at the two, hoping that the two wouldn't fight for it was clear that it was taking all they could to suppress their rage for the other and preventing their magoi from spiraling out of control. He glanced at the two children in their arms and though it was clear that Masud was unaffected by it given how he was blessed by the rukh, Sikandar was slowly growing uncomfortable.
"Sinbad, the Royal Prince," Ja'far spoke up.
Sinbad stopped his rage and glanced down at the child Lucy had so fondly and tenderly cared for, squirming around in his arms. His brows furrowed in frustration and ambivalence, not knowing what to feel for the child. The only thought in his mind was how annoying and spiteful his existence would be if he dared to wake Lucy up.
"It'd be bad if Lucy wakes up because of him," Sinbad said, deciding to return back to his and Lucy's room and place Sikandar in his crib. "Remember you only have six months with her. After that, Lucy has no relation to that child whatsoever."
Sinbad turned his back and left the room, leaving Masrur to his own thoughts. He lowered his head, his bangs covering his eyes but the dark expression on his face and the sinister look in his eyes was clear. He was the one who did this to Lucy and rather than paying the consequences himself, he let Lucy face it all. Balling his hands into fists and gritting his teeth, he controlled his anger, wanting to pummel Sinbad into the ground. Looking at Lucy, he couldn't help but hate himself for not being able to do more for her. If he could take her away right this instant, he would not hesitate to do so. If only it was their child that had been born and not Sinbad's. Had that been the case, Sinbad would have nothing to tie Lucy down with.
Placing Masud next to Lucy, he smiled affectionately.
It was a beautiful picture of a mother and son.
He noticed Masud's eye twitch and perking up, he saw him open his eyes. It was a beautiful crimson red and seeing the soft shade of gold that his eyes glowed with, he widened his eyes. A tear rolled down his face and it dawned on him that Masud was truly their child. It wasn't just a dream. Though he may look exactly like him, the brilliant magoi and eyes which glowed a hint of gold were exactly like Lucy's. But, both he and Lucy knew that such matters would need to be hidden. They would need to seal those powers for if anyone found out, the one who would be most in danger would be Masud.
"I'm sorry," he apologized, his brows furrowed in frustration. "For not being able to do more for the both of you."
Masud simply blinked at the man who was his father before shutting his eyes and turning his head to look at his mother. As if knowing that Lucy was his mother, his eyes shone brightly as he broke out into a smile. He laughed happily as he reached his small arms out to Lucy, wanting to be closer to her.
"If you do that, you'll bother your mother," Masrur patted Masud on his head, tucking his arms back into the sheet. "She needs rest more than anything right now."
Perhaps it was because he was the son of Masrur and Lucy but, it seemed as if he understood Masrur's sentiments and thoughts as he quickly became obedient once more, simply content with just staring at Lucy with happy, bright eyes. Masrur smiled and pulled Lucy's blanket over her, covering her well. Reaching out to pat her head, Masud narrowed his eyes and smacked Masrur's hand away.
Masrur blinked in surprise.
Masud simply continued staring at Lucy while Masrur held his hand which was a faint red from Masud's slap. Softening his eyes and giving a small grin, he smiled in content.
"I suppose he does have the blood of a Fanalis in him," Masrur remarked, knowing that the extra strength must be from his magoi which he still had yet full control of.
But, hearing a moan escape Lucy's lips, Masrur and Masud perked up.
"Masud..." she whispered, a tear rolling down her face.
Seeing the faintest of smiles on her lips and hearing Lucy call his name for the first time in person, his eyes shimmered. Softening his eyes, his crimson red orbs glistened like jewels as he wore nothing but a heartfelt, affectionate smile, his cheeks blushing a rosy hue. Masrur's chest tightened up witnessing the scene and smiled, his crimson eyes shimmering as faint tears lined his lashes.
"You really your love mother, huh?"
Masud simply smiled brightly and Masrur patted his head. Masrur's smile soon fell, his lips trembling and his brows furrowing, knowing that as much as Masud loved Lucy, he would never be able to acknowledge her as his mother. Just as Lucy wasn't allowed to acknowledge him as her son. In six months, the two would have to pretend like they were strangers and surely, Lucy would be overwhelmed with despair. A child's memories only lasted so long in early childhood. No matter how much of a genius Masud may be, the memories of the first six months he had with Lucy would fade away after their separation.
The despair and loneliness that Lucy would have to live with was a price she didn't have to pay. She shouldn't have to pay.
"Can I," his lips trembled as tears streamed down his face, "take you away from here?"
Silence ensued as he was only answered by Lucy's soft breathing.
"If you just say the word, I would gladly take you to a place where no one can find us," he intertwined his fingers with Lucy's, holding her hand up to his lips and kissing the back of it. "A place where you and Masud can live happily together."
A lone tear ran down Lucy's face as Masrur cried into her hand.
"Until you're ready, I'll continue waiting," he said, his crimson eyes glowing softly with sweet affection and endearment. "Lucy."