Premature Labour

Williams had returned home and entered the room. He had entered the living room and saw Thomas pacing up and down the room. He furrowed his brow curiously, puzzled on what was going on.

“Thomas?”

Thomas flinched when he heard the Duke’s voice. He looked at him and saw the blank look the Duke had worn. He swallowed hard and suddenly began to sweat.

“Duke Williams, you-you are back.” Thomas stuttered.

“Yes. I had no plans to spend the night there.” He said coolly.

The screams as well as the cry of the Rebecca could be heard downstairs. This regularity of those sounds got the Duke’s attention.

“What was that?” He asked Thomas frigidly.

“Um, um, that’s—.” Thomas replied nervously, scratching his head.

The loud groan interrupted him. Williams recognized whose voice it was.

“Would you just stop stammering and answer me clearly?” Williams asked icily,

“Why is my wife screaming?”

“I’m sorry, Your grace. You had given me instructions to watch over her but I was distracted and didn’t know when she had gone to labour. It was Zita who had informed me about the present situation.” Thomas answered timidly, with his head low.

“Labour?” Williams said in disbelief. He stood there, surprised and puzzled at the news.

“It can’t be. She isn’t due until the next two months.”

“Your grace, I have no idea what childbirth feels like nor am I consistent to its timing.” Thomas said openly,

“The midwife had believed Her grace must be troubled by something or someone to go into labour earlier than expected.”

“I have to go there.” Williams said firmly, taking a step.

“No, Your grace. The midwife has strictly forbade your presence. It was rumoured to her you were arguing with the Duchess.” Thomas revealed.

Williams refrained from going upstairs. He exhaled and sat down on the chair. He tapped his foot impatiently, anxious about the well-being of his wife. Soon, the screams died down and were no longer heard. The midwife climbed down the stairs and saw the Duke were he was seated.

Duke Williams stood on his feet and quickly approached her.

“How—?”

“She is fine.” The midwife answered warmly, cutting him off.

“And the baby?” He asked eagerly.

“She is all right as well. The Duchess is tired; the childbirth took away most of her energy. She is asleep and doesn’t need to be disturbed.” She said plainly,

“I will take my leave now.”

The midwife curtsied before him and left the house. Williams had his gaze at the staircase.

“The Duchess has given birth to a Lady. What will you name her?” Thomas asked him excitedly.

“That’s not my duty. She’s the Duchess’ daughter. Her mother will take care of that.” Williams answered curtly.

“But isn’t she your daughter as well, Your grace?” Thomas inquired, curiously that his master he had his suggestion a cold shoulder.

“She is—.”

“Thomas, why don’t you go and do something else other than annoying me?” Williams said coldly. He scowled at him. He left the living room and climbed up the stairs.

Williams got to the landing and walked towards the Duchess’ room. He was about to get hold of the handle but stopped when he saw it turning. Zita came out of the room and was startled by his presence.

“Your grace!” She said softly and curtsied. She didn’t make eye contact with him.

Williams ignored her and entered the room. He gently closed the door, not letting it reach its frame and walked to the bed. The Duchess was indeed as asleep. He stared at her for awhile and caught a glimpse of the cot.

He walked towards it and had his eyes on the baby. She was the healthy for a child who was born prematurely. Her eyes were closed but she wasn’t asleep. She had a frown and often opened her mouth—she was about to cry.

Williams looked at the baby coldly; there was no cheerfulness in his facial expression. He glanced at her sleeping mother and continued looking at her. He wasn’t excited about her coming and didn’t hide. He seethed and left the room, without waking his wife up.

<

>

Fiona was in her room and was sad about the Duke’s rejection. She had cried when he had left and stopped when she couldn’t continue anymore. She sat down on her bed and mediated on what the Duke had told her.

“Arrogant, rude, an egoist…”

Fiona was distracted the creak of the door as it opened. She looked at the person at the door and purposely diverted her eyes. Her facial expression changed.

“May I come in?”

Fiona turned a deaf eye and intentionally cut her dead. Queen Violet knew from her gestures that she wasn’t welcomed. She entered and closed the door behind her. She walked towards the bed.

“His Majesty wishes to know why you have declined to have tea with him?” Violet asked calmly, in a friendly tone.

“I’ll like to keep my reasons to myself. My brother shouldn’t worry much; I am fine and not ill.” Fiona answered coolly, without making eye contact.

“But you don’t look happy. Did something happen?” Violet asked worriedly.

Fiona rolled her eyes at her and stood on her feet. She looked at her coldly, with her arms folded.

“When you will learn to stop pestering me? Isn’t it obvious that I don’t like you?”

“I was only worried and wanted to know why you were sad. I do care about my sister-in-law.” Violet answered frankly, being sincere about her feelings.

“I don’t really need your care or your affection. You’re just my brother’s wife. No, I have to rephrased that.” Fiona said scornfully, with a sneer,

“You’re just a souvenir. The only reason you were given to my brother was to stop the existing war between your kingdom and mine. I never understood what my brother saw in you. You aren’t that beautiful nor sensible.”

“Clearly, you’ve been of no use to the royal family. It’s been six years of marriage and you still can’t give us a successor to the throne. My father’s lineage will be erased because of you. You might’ve got lucky on your first try but it sadly left.” Fiona taunted her, wearing a smirk.

“I’ve been trying my best to give His Majesty a child. I have no power of my own to bring forth a child. I’m not the one who gives children.” Violet replied feebly, heartbroken by her insults.

“You’ve to try even harder. If this year passes and you’re still unable to give me results, I wouldn’t hesitate to tell His Majesty to look for your replacement. I might consider to let you to continue staying with us.” Fiona said proudly.

Violet couldn’t find her voice and stayed mute. She held back her tears.

“I will go and tell His Majesty that you won’t join him.”

Fiona smiled slyly. Violet turned round and left the room. As she closed the door, without blinking, tears leaked from her eyes.