1 month later
She couldnt bear it anymore. Her overcrowded chambers were dark, dank and noisy. Ladies and midwives constantly got drunk, and for all of their complaining about her condition, they didn't seem to care when she mentioned she had a headache.
She tore of her depressing mourning clothes, and replaced them with some maids non work clothes she had found on a chair in the maids chambers. She was surprised how easy it was for her to sneak around the castle. No one seemed to pay attention to her, and she greatfully snuck out into the city.
It stunk. As per usual, but the city stench was a welcome break from the stench of her chambers. She wandered throughout the familiar nooks and crannies she often snuck through, buying a bite to eat, and watching the hubbub of city life. It fascinated her.
Out here, if people didn't like you they said it to your face, in the court they whispered among themselves but hugged you as a sister when you were present.
She watched two men haggle over a hunk of meat, and she feel fully watched as a little boy went around pick pocketing the richer looking folk.
She tried to pick out the prostitutes from the gentle women, and watch in interest as a woman led a man behind a door, but Azora bumped head first into the solid chest of a man.
"Why I'm sorry sir-"
"My apologies ma'am-"
She looked up.
Dirty blonde hair.
Green eyes.
"Azora what are you doing out here!"
He furiously whispered.
"I'm sorry my lord. "
She curtseyed, keeping her gaze on the mucky ground.
"Please don't bow, your bringing attention to us."
He whispered.
He pulled her by the arm to an abandoned alleyway, and looked both ways to make sure no one could see their interaction.
"Now please do tell me what your doing in the dirty streets in your condition?"
Azora rolled her eyes.
"What is it with everyone and my condition. Do you know what it's like to be locked up in the dark chamber?!"
She felt her eyes well up, and a tear rolled down her cheek, she sniffed as she wiped it away. Kalian didn't know what to do, so he awkwardly wrapped his arms around his wife as she sobbed into his shoulder.
Azora looked up and smiled.
"I think we should go back before anyone notices we are missing. "
~~~
That night, as every lady in waiting went to their rooms, and the midwives were sleeping in cots nearby, Azora could not sleep.
She was not tired at all, and she lay in the dark silence for what seemed like forever until she heard a knock on the window. She crept over to the window, and there she found Kalina, grinning cheekily.
She hesitantly opened the window and crawled through.
"Why are you here!"
Azora whispered furiously.
"I- I don't know."
He stuttered.
Azora scoffed.
"Look at you. The lady charmer is at loss for words."
She expected her husband to come up with a snarky comment, but instead he must looked down at his shoes.
"The truth is that I wanted to spend more time with you. I have been the worst husband any man could ever be, and you have been the most diligent and faithful Queen a King could ever ask for. I know what I have done is truly unforgivable, but I am asking for your forgiveness and a second chance."
Azora felt her heart rate increase, and her breathing quicken. She let her impulses control her and before she knew it, she was pressing her lips softly against his. It was a chaste kiss, and she pulled away quickly but it was all the both needed.
~~~
The sun was beginning to rise, and Azora woke up suddenly. Something was not right. Kalina was asleep at the end of her bed out of respect, the midwives were still asleep, and the room was silent.
Then she felt water gushing out between her thighs.
She felt her stomach drop and she went into shock. She sat there still, gripping the sheets until Kalian awoke.
"Azores, what's wrong, have you gone into the labour, is the baby coming, what do I do?"
He immediately rushed to her side as a contraction kicked in. She gripped his forearm, and gritted her teeth. It was starting. She began to breathe deeply, remembering everything she witnessed from her nieces birth.
She must have been louder than she thought, as a whole troupe of ladies in waiting dressed in night gowns rushed in. The midwives woke up suddenly and they all noticed the king.
"Your majesty, I'm afraid your going to have to leave. Your son is about to be born. "