Ch. 29

SERGIUS

Watching my brother race out of the room to go and take care of Fiona, to help her assist my own child. That child belonged to me. I am doing all this desperately pleading, going into meetings, bringing down my dignity to my fucked-up brother. All because of this one thing. And now I am seeing him take my position, listening to them say, “Fiona needs him.”

I stood up as fast as I could; my beta tried to hold me back to stop me. “You can't go there. We are still trying to make things easy for you. And now she's about to enter into labor, which means your heir is on the way. You have to be patient,” they said to me.

But I fought my way. “I am not going there. I just want to at least be close by. I need to be there. I can't just ditch my own child that way. You know it belongs to me. You know Fiona needs me instead of him. If the situation were turned around, would you agree to this? Sit down and your wife has a child with another man and you know it is yours. That is what you have been fighting for,” I said angrily before making my way out of the throne room.

At that moment, I could hear Fiona's voice echoing loudly, but I still tried to hold it in, clenching my hands in a tight fist. I need to calm down. I wouldn't let anger get the better of me. I won’t let it disturb me no matter what. Whatever I do, I wouldn’t get angry, and I would not make any move to ruin the issue I am trying to settle so badly.

I slowly walked towards the hallway closer to where Cyprus had clearly gone when I heard his name loudly from Fiona. “Cyprus, please. I need you.” I covered my mouth as I looked at my beta, who looked at me like he already knew it was going to happen.

“I... I can't help it. I warned you, right? I told you to stay away. They are in love with each other, and you have to let it stay that way. Don't fight for what doesn't belong to you. Please. We only need that child, and that is all you are going to be getting. Understand?” he said as I stayed quiet, continuously hearing Fiona's voice.

“Why can't I go there? Why can't—why?” I felt frustrated, storming out of the hall and straight out to the main door. I went out and back to my tent.

As I paced back and forth, I was nervous. Yes, I don't like Fiona. Yes, I always said I never really loved her. But after writing that letter and pouring my heart out, it felt like I actually loved her. I never just noticed it. I continued to panic, not knowing what to say, what to do, how to behave.

Oh God, that child is mine. I don't even know if it's a boy or a girl. I don't care. I just want my child back. I can't believe I drew away because of my stupid character. I need to calm down because I might lose more at this point. With this same character. I need to calm down. I need to be peaceful with myself if I want things to work out.

I slowly made my way out of the tent to see my beta standing there with a smile on his face. “I have good news for you,” he said as I looked puzzled.

“Neil, good news? Please tell me it has something to do with my child. Is she giving birth? Is it a boy or a girl?” I asked.

“Actually, she's having issues with her birth. She is bleeding, and there are chances that she will lose the child. Cyprus is not helping the matter. Only the bond between the two of you can help the situation,” he said as I looked puzzled.

“I don't understand. Bond between me and Fiona or what? I don't get what you're trying to say,” I asked again.

“No. Before your child can be brought to life, you need to bond with it. It needs to happen, and you need to do it as soon as possible. You must not take any time. It's important, or else she loses the child. And I have better news. It’s a son. A powerful son. One that has not been seen in centuries. If she loses this child, it will be a downfall for us, and I think that is the only child you will be able to have,” he said as I scoffed, trying to cover up my anticipation.

But I was so happy and ready to see my child. “Let's go now.” I put on my coat and raced out, straight back to the palace. I was at first hesitant as I got closer and closer to the labor room. But immediately the guards opened the door, I knew they had already been waiting for my presence.

I did not bother to say a word to them and instead boldly made my way into the labor room. And the first noise that came was Fiona's cry. I couldn't help it. I always acted like I didn't care. But listening to her cry made my leg wobble. I couldn't even explain how much hurt I felt.

I made my way towards her and saw Cyprus standing there confused. He was already sweating, his hands soaked with blood, and Fiona was down on the ground kneeling, but blood was all over the ground.

I covered my mouth. “What is going on?” I asked as the nurse rushed towards me.

“We have no time! You need to bond with your child now! You need to kiss her, do something! Warm her up! That child needs to come out now or it dies!” they warned, immediately making me so frightened. I rushed out quickly and knelt to the ground despite the blood. I did not care at this point.

I held her cheeks as her face had already been soaked with mucus. “Please, Sergius, the child is going to die if I cannot have it,” she cried as I hugged her immediately.

“No, no, it wouldn't! You will have this child! You are stronger than that! Please, you are my last hope!” I pleaded, and at that moment, a loud scream erupted from her as I stepped back, more scared than I have ever been. Was this how it was to be in labor?