Chapter 34

SABINA

“Bina, why aren’t you eating?” Aboloft’s voice was laced with concern as he watched me push my food around my plate.

“I’m just not hungry,” I replied, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Aboloft and the looming threat from Wilsden.

Two days had passed since we’d heard anything from Wilsden. Their silence was unnerving, and I wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad sign.

“You barely ate yesterday, or the day before,” Aboloft pointed out.

Whenever I was anxious, my appetite would disappear. How could I eat when my stomach was tied up in knots?

I sighed and pushed my plate away. I knew I should be grateful for the food in front of me, and I was. Growing up with my father, good meals were a rarity. But right now, my worry for Aboloft’s safety overshadowed my hunger.

“I told you, I’m not hungry,” I insisted.

Aboloft retrieved the plate I’d just pushed away and placed it back in front of me. “Eat,” he commanded. “You’re looking pale. I’m going to call for a healer.”

“No, no healer. I’m fine,” I protested.

“Eat your breakfast, then we’ll see about the healer,” he countered, leaving me no choice but to comply.

The dining room door swung open, and the three kings entered, followed by a woman. I wondered when they would finally leave. The woman was walking beside King Bancroft, his hand gripping her wrist tightly.

“Good morning,” King Mavon greeted, taking a seat at the table.

“Good morning,” Aboloft and I echoed. My voice was barely a whisper compared to Aboloft’s resonant tone.

King Eldon took a seat next to King Mavon, not even glancing in my direction. King Bancroft and his female companion sat on the other side of King Mavon.

I gasped when I recognized the woman. It was Hildred, the woman Aboloft had given to King Bancroft.

“So, what’s on the agenda today?” King Eldon asked, popping a berry into his mouth.

“My troops will arrive today. I’ll give them further instructions in five days,” King Mavon replied, his gaze drifting to Hildred. “Good morning, Hildred.”

Hildred’s lower lip quivered, but she didn’t lift her head. “Good morning, Lord Mavon.” Her voice was so soft, it was a wonder anyone heard her.

“She looks terrified, Bancroft. What did you do to her?” King Eldon smirked, clearly enjoying Hildred’s discomfort.

“Hildred isn’t used to dining with us,” King Bancroft explained.

“Is that a bruise on her wrist?” Aboloft’s eyes narrowed.

“Yes, it is,” King Bancroft confirmed, running his thumb over the bruise on her wrist. His smile was chilling. These kings seemed to take pleasure in causing pain.

“At least she doesn’t have any cuts, unlike someone,” King Mavon remarked, glancing at me before quickly looking away.

Their casual conversation about our suffering was infuriating.

“Oh, she’ll have cuts soon enough, Mavon. Just not right now. I’ll deal with her when I return to Sodora,” King Bancroft replied.

I looked at Hildred. She was even paler than before, her blue eyes wide with fear.

King Mavon turned to King Eldon, who was engrossed in his meal. “How is Lorelle? Does she miss you while you’re away?”

“Lorelle is sleeping and will continue to do so until I return,” King Eldon replied, a wicked glint in his eyes.

“Explain,” Aboloft demanded.

“My servants give her a strong sleeping potion every morning. They mix it into her food, so she falls asleep right after eating,” King Eldon explained.

“Why?” Aboloft asked.

“So she’ll be in my bed when I return,” King Eldon replied. I felt a wave of revulsion. These kings were monsters.

“I see,” Aboloft said, his voice tight. “Bina, you still haven’t touched your food.” The mere thought of food made my stomach churn.

“I told you, Aboloft, I’m not hungry,” I repeated.

“Is it just me, or does she look pale?” King Bancroft observed. “And I don’t understand something. According to the people of Wilsden, Sabina is dead, right?

“They burned her alive eight years ago. So how did they know Sabina would be the Queen of Quopia?

“The Sabina they saw working at the fruit stand wasn’t Sabina, but a woman who looked exactly like her, correct?”

“You’re correct, Bancroft,” Aboloft confirmed. “But they recognized Sabina because of her hair. She’s the only woman in all of Quopia with red hair.

“When the people of Wilsden saw her at the announcement, they knew it was the same woman they thought they’d killed.”

My hair. The one thing that set me apart, and the one thing that made me a target of hatred in the entire kingdom.

I’d stopped dyeing my hair since I got to the castle, and my natural red was starting to show through again. I’d asked Aboloft if I could dye it, but he’d threatened to punish me if I even thought about it.

“I see.” The room fell quiet after that. The only sound was the clinking of silverware against plates. I watched everyone eat, not having the energy to eat anything myself.

The kings were busy with their meals, but when I looked at Hildred, my heart ached. She was picking at a piece of cake. Her hand shook as she broke off a piece and put it in her mouth. Her other hand was still held by Bancroft.

The last time I saw her, she looked just like the women in the harem. But now, she looked every bit a queen, with her black hair pulled up and a beautiful blue dress.

Was this King Bancroft’s plan? To make Hildred the Queen of Sodora?

“Get a healer here, now! I want her in my private chambers in fifteen minutes,” Aboloft ordered one of the maids, who bowed deeply before rushing out of the dining room.

“Aboloft, I told you I don’t need a healer,” I said.

“You’re not eating, and you look pale. I won’t rest until a healer checks you,” he said, standing up. “Let’s go,” he ordered me.

He just didn’t know when to quit. I didn’t want him to know I was worried about him, because he’d just tell me that nothing and no one could hurt him.

But I knew better. I knew Aboloft was human and the people of Wilsden would try to hurt him.

No matter how much I tried, he wouldn’t change his mind. I wished I could do something to stop this war, but there was nothing I could do. The four kings made that clear.

With a sigh of frustration, I stood up and followed Aboloft out of the dining room. He was walking so fast, it was hard for me to keep up with him, especially in my dress.

The heavy purple satin dress, adorned with jewels, made it hard for me to match Aboloft’s long strides.

“You’re wasting the healer’s time by calling her here. I told you I’m fine,” I said, trying to change his mind.

“You haven’t eaten properly for the past two days, and today my friends noticed that you look pale. The healer needs to check you,” he replied, throwing open the door of his bedchamber.

The healer was already there waiting for us, a small woman with gray hair tied in a bun and brown eyes full of experience. She bowed deeply when she saw Aboloft.

“My queen hasn’t been eating properly, and she looks pale. I need to know what’s wrong,” Aboloft told the woman. His queen? I was a farmer’s daughter. Why did he keep forgetting that?

“Yes, my lord,” the woman paused, thinking about something. “My lord, if you have no objections, may I request to see her in private?”

“Why?” Aboloft asked.

“I prefer to be thorough when examining someone…” She trailed off, expecting Aboloft to understand.

Aboloft looked at the healer, then at me. “Fine,” he finally said. “I’ll be waiting outside. You have thirty minutes to examine her. And I want to know everything, down to the smallest detail.”

“Yes, my lord,” the healer said.

Aboloft kissed my forehead and left the room, leaving me alone with the healer. The woman gave me a gentle smile, like she didn’t want me to be scared.

“Look, I’m sorry for wasting your time, but I’m fine. I’m just worried about a few things, which is why I’m not eating. You can tell King Aboloft that I’m fine,” I told her.

“I’d feel better if I could see for myself. Why don’t you lie down and let me examine you?” the woman replied, her voice soft, like she was talking to a child.

I sighed deeply, closing my eyes. I wasn’t going to win. This woman was going to do her job, whether I liked it or not. And if I didn’t do as she said, then Aboloft would punish her, or both of us.

“Fine,” I mumbled, walking over to the bed and lying down.

“Good, this won’t take long,” she said, taking my wrist in her soft hand.

She placed two of her fingers on a certain point and closed her eyes. For a minute, she didn’t move. The only thing that moved was her chest as she breathed, but other than that, she was completely still.

My heart pounded when I saw her frown. Why was she frowning? What was wrong? I was fine. I knew I was, but then why was she frowning?

“Is everything okay?” I asked after a few seconds. I couldn’t stand the frown on her forehead any longer. I had to know what was wrong.

“I think so.” The healer opened her eyes, looking confused. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You can tell me the truth.”

“Yes, yes, I am. I feel fine. I told you that,” I replied.

“Have you been feeling weak? Any fatigue, perhaps?” she asked.

“No, I’m telling you, I’m perfectly fine,” I answered.

“Well.” The healer blinked once, then twice, before swallowing hard. “I have some news for you.”

“What? What is it?” I sat up, fear gripping my heart.

“Milady…”

“Tell me, what is it?” What was wrong with this woman? Why couldn’t she just tell me?

“Uh…you’re pregnant, milady,” the healer finally said, a soft smile on her lips.

What? What did she just say? No, no, she was wrong. This couldn’t be true. I couldn’t be pregnant, that was impossible.

Oh God, I couldn’t do this. A baby. I wasn’t ready for a baby, let alone raise one. The thought was downright terrifying.

“You’re mistaken. This can’t be happening,” I stammered. But the harsh reality was, it could.

Aboloft had taken my innocence. Oh God, I couldn’t bear his child. I was just a farmer’s daughter, not even close to royalty. How did this happen?

“I’m sorry, milady, but it’s true. You’re carrying the heir of Quopia, or so I believe. This is a time for celebration. You should be happy. I must inform the king.”

The woman started to rise, but I quickly grabbed her hand.

“Wait, please don’t tell Aboloft. I’m begging you,” I pleaded.

“But why, milady?” she asked, puzzled.

“Please, Aboloft can’t know I’m pregnant. Promise me you won’t tell him,” I insisted.

“Forgive my curiosity, milady, but is the child his?” she asked, avoiding my gaze.

“Yes, it is! But he can’t find out,” I replied.

“But... I must. Lord Aboloft instructed me to report everything to him. I can’t keep this from him,” she protested.

“Listen, I’ll give you whatever you want. Jewels, money? Name it, and it’s yours. Just please, don’t tell Aboloft.”

I had no idea what Aboloft would do if he found out. He kept saying he wanted me to bear his children, but I wasn’t sure if he meant it.

And he was preparing for war. If word got out that I was carrying Aboloft’s child, the people of Wilsden might try to harm the baby. No, I had to keep this baby safe. This was Aboloft’s heir. It had to stay a secret.

“I don’t need anything, milady. I must share this wonderful news with King Aboloft,” the healer insisted.

“You won’t tell Aboloft anything. That’s an order.” I was desperate. If Aboloft found out, he might tell all the servants, and that wouldn’t be good for his heir.

I had to make sure this woman wouldn’t spill the beans about my pregnancy.

“I’m sorry, milady, but I have my orders. I can’t disobey the King,” she replied.

“Listen, this baby needs to be safe. There are enemies who would want to harm Aboloft’s heir. If you tell Aboloft, then others will find out, and the news will eventually reach our enemies.

“So, please, for the sake of this baby and for the future of Quopia, I beg you, don’t tell Aboloft about this baby.”

The woman fell silent for a moment. I held her gaze, letting her see the desperation in my eyes. I had to keep this baby safe.

I loved Aboloft, and somehow, a part of him was growing inside me. I would protect this baby with my life.

“Okay, I suppose I can keep your secret. But you have to let me look after you. I need to ensure that you and this baby are safe. If you agree, then I promise to keep this baby a secret... for now,” she finally agreed.

“Yes, you can do that.” I nodded. At this point, I was ready to do anything to protect this baby.

“All right, milady. Your secret is safe with me.”