“I know, the doctor said my recovery is slow, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been out of this room. I can’t help but be excited.”
“You are not a prisoner in this room. When you have recovered, you can spend all day in the garden if you wish, but for the moment it is best to be cautious, we do not want your wound to open up.”
Abril went back to bed, laid down and replied, “Yes, I’ll be good. I’m looking forward to getting back to my daily life, working in my garden and relaxing watching the clouds go by.”
Alessandro changed the subject. Whenever Abril mentioned going back to her life before she was stabbed, he did the same, because he didn’t want to tell her the truth until it was strictly necessary.
She wouldn’t be going back to that place.
*****
Alessandro went for a meeting with the nobles. He hated these kinds of meetings. He considered them extremely annoying, as the nobles spent their time fighting among themselves during the meetings.
Upon arriving in the hall where all the nobles were gathered, they stood up and greeted the king with a bow.
They dealt with some matters of the kingdom, such as taxes and the economy. Afterward, Duke Alfonso Vampel spoke. “Your Majesty, I would like to discuss a matter that has all the nobles very concerned, and that is the matter of your heir. Although you have been married to the queen for several years, she has not become pregnant.”
“That is none of your business.”
“I am only expressing the concern of all those present here, Your Majesty. I have heard that the princess suffered an attack two months ago, and that she was stabbed in the belly. Many wonder if the princess will be able to have children in the future. I believe Your Majesty should seek a second queen.”
“There has always been only one queen in the kingdom of Cosset. What nonsense are you saying, Duke Vampel?”
“But there are things that could change, Your Majesty, since the kingdom of Cosset needs an heir. My daughter was your betrothed. She would be an excellent candidate to be the second queen. She has everything to be a good ruler.”
Alessandro stood up and said, “I will have an heir soon. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’m ending the meeting.”
Alessandro had a splitting headache. He had always hated meetings with the nobles, but today had been worse than usual. He already had enough on his plate with one wife, taking another was unthinkable.
Alexander was furious and said another wife, are they mad?”
“As if one wasn’t enough, now they want me to take Alessandro was still fuming when Sirius arrived and asked, “What is Your Majesty complaining about?”
“Those damned nobles keep pressuring me about having an heir. Today, they even dared to suggest I take a second wife, as if having one wasn’t troublesome enough.” wasn’t troublesome enough.”
“I thought Your Majesty had begun to enjoy married life a little more, but I suppose I was mistaken.”
“What makes you think I’m enjoying my marriage?”
“Perhaps Your Majesty hasn’t noticed, but lately you’ve been retiring to your chambers early. It’s as if you were eagerly awaiting the chance to be with the princess.”
“It’s not what you’re thinking. I just want her to recover quickly and return to her magic lessons.”
“By the way, how is it going, I mean, making the princess fall in love?”
“I’m working on it.”
“May I ask what Your Majesty has done to win the princess’s heart?”
Alessandro hadn’t actually done anything. He only kissed the princess when he felt like it and held her in his arms. He looked away and changed the subject.
“I’ve heard there are new apprentices in the mage tower. Anyone outstanding?”
“Your Majesty has never cared about new recruits. You’re only asking me to change the subject, aren’t you?”
“Not at all.” Alessandro lied.
“It’s more than obvious that you’re lying. If you don’t know what to do to win the princess’s heart, I can help. I have a lot of experience with women.”
“You’ve never even been married.”
“That’s because I haven’t found the right woman yet. But I know how to treat a woman. I could tell you what someone like the princess desires most.”
“And what do you think she desires most?”
“To be loved. She’s been alone her whole life. She’s never had the warmth of a family, nor friends. If you want to win her over, you just have to be a loving man.”
“I’m already doing that, I hold her at night and I kiss her often.”
“I don’t think she sees that as affection, but rather as your possessive desires. A kiss from someone you don’t love can be unpleasant. Has the princess ever enjoyed a kiss or an embrace from you? Have you ever given her a gift?” Sirius asked, watching Alessandro’s face. “From the look on your face, I’d say no.”
“I’m busy Sirius, what have you really come for? I doubt if it was to give me advice on my marriage.”
“You’re right about that, Your Majesty. I’m not here for that.”
“What’s going on?”
“I’ve sensed a surge of magic in the kingdom of Laios.”
“Really, that implies that King Venobich has made his move in preparation for war.”
“I believe it’s a barrier. He’s protecting his kingdom from possible attacks.”
“He’s preparing for war against us,” he replied.
“Indeed. What I’m about to say may sound cruel, but Your Majesty must ensure that the princess is on our side in this war, that she will fight for this kingdom and for you.”
“We must also prepare for war. I want you to gather the mages and erect a barrier around the kingdom.”
“I’ll see to it, Your Majesty.”
“I believe this war is imminent, so we must be ready. This time we will not bow to the kingdom of
Laios.”
*****
As evening approached, Abril asked the servants to dress her in a light, cool dress for a walk. They chose a pale pink and white gauze gown and a broad-brimmed white hat to protect her skin from the sun, as she hadn’t been outside in a long time. Two maids accompanied her as she strolled among the flowers. Abril felt as if she was coming back to life, as if she had finally been released from her decorated cage.
Alessandro spotted the princess strolling through the gardens from his office window. He had a pounding headache and couldn’t concentrate on his work, so he decided to get some fresh air and clear his head. He made his way to the garden where he found the princess smelling the flowers. She looked beautiful, her red hair shimmering in the sunlight, a smile gracing her lips.
“Enjoying yourself?”
Abril turned around at the sound of the king’s voice and said,
“Yes, it’s a beautiful day for a walk in the garden, to smell the flowers and appreciate their beauty.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
Alessandro offered her his arm.
“Let me accompany you for a while.”
“Isn’t Your Majesty busy?”
“I needed a break, so a short walk will do me good.”
Abril took his arm and they began to walk. Alessandro’s strides were longer than hers, forcing her to walk faster than was comfortable. It caused her pain, and she winced, clutching her stomach.
“Don’t walk so fast, Your Majesty. I can’t keep up.”
“Are you alright? Are you in pain?”
“A little,” she replied.
Alessandro swept her up in his arms.
“We should go back to my chambers. Perhaps it was too soon for a walk.”
“I’m fine. If you walk slower, there won’t be a problem. I don’t want to go back to the room, please,” Abril pleaded, her eyes wide and beseeching.
“Very well, just a little further then?” Alexander replied.
Alessandro set her down and offered his arm again. He walked slowly, taking small steps so she wouldn’t strain herself. The maids stared at them, astonished. They couldn’t believe the king was taking a leisurely stroll with the princess and, above all, that he was being so kind to her.
Abril felt uncomfortable with their gazes. Alessandro noticed and ordered the maids to withdraw. As they continued their walk, Alessandro realized that the pounding headache he’d had moments before had vanished the instant he had touched her. He glanced down at her and she noticed.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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