It was about 3 am when a loud knock was at the door. Mia and I both jumped in fright. “Anisel,” Mia said as she clung to my arm.
“I heard that too. Wait here; I will check it out.” I got up, but Mia didn't want to let go. So, I yanked my arm away. I got out of bed and snatched my sword nearby. The guards should be dealing with this and not me. I slowly opened the door to see a guard on the ground. The other one tried to help him up. What happened??I searched around to see the shattered window and brick with a note. It states: "To the King & Queen of Satia, you have captured my men and injured me. That was uncalled for, as I only wanted a peaceful conversation with you. Anisel, your family owes me a great debt, and I will do anything in my power to get it. Release my men with the money, or war will start. You have 24 hours to respond. ~ From Sera."Sera?? I heard that name before. My parents have called it out, but I don't know when or why. I helped my guards to their feet and gave them the message. They need to provide it to Hazel as soon as possible. There will be a meeting once the sun rises high. They nodded and went on their way. I went back to the room where Mia was shaking.I quickly went to her side to calm her down, as she doesn't need this stress right now. The following day, Hamon tapped me on my shoulders to wake us down. My eyes flickered open, and I asked what was wrong because it was too early! “Joshua is ready for the meeting, my lord. Matthew has arrived as well,” he said. Damn it, I also forgot about this crap. I told him I would be there in a minute. I began to stretch to find my wife gone. What the hell?? Isn't she supposed to be resting?? You know what? She is delicate and needs to do her duties as queen. I rolled out of bed and went to get freshen up. This is going to be a long day as well.~ Mia ~I left the palace before anyone arrived. I couldn't face Matthew again after what he did. I needed time for myself and the baby. Mikhal, Jabrel, Lily, and I went on a walk this morning to greet the people of Satia. Today is a decent day as the flowers bloomed around us. The crops are growing nicely, and it was fruit day!!The fruits here are delicious when they are freshly picked. Some of the farmers give free samples, so they can get a taste of what's to come. My favorite is the mango, which comes from India. I have been craving it since a relative brought it here from traveling. Jabrel’s favorite is grapes, and he can eat a whole pack of them. Lily loves watermelon, and Mihkal enjoys his strawberries. We roamed around collecting different types of fruits. Satia is known for its food and scenery.A farmer caught my attention as he yelled out my name. "Queen Mia, would you like to try a banana? They are the first brunch that was picked this morning." He stated."Of course," I said as I peeled the fruit and took a bite. "Yumm!! What a sweet taste. These were freshly picked too.""Yep. They came straight from the farm. I was hoping you would walk by to get the first bite. I heard bananas help pregnancies." The farmer said as he smiled. Some fruit does help the baby by giving it the nutrition it needs. This baby needs to come out healthy during this time. I thanked the farmer for growing such delicious food. To him, it was nothing as he waited for this day.Before we left, he asked about the baby's gender, which he was hoping for a girl. They need another queen like me ruling Satia. I chuckled at the comment, as I didn't need another me running around the palace. Anisel and I both want a boy. But a girl would be nice as well. I told him I had a doctor's appointment today, so it should be the day I would find out. We waved him goodbye as we headed out. Mikhal stated it would be nice if we have a gender reveal party to honor the new prince or princess soon. The citizens could wear pink or blue to participate.Jabrel and Lily agreed. I don't know, as we would do a simple reveal. No big fuss about it. If they want to do that, I will talk to my husband about it. To have the whole kingdom a part of this would be fun. They can guess by wearing blue and pink shirts.As we passed so many farmers, my eyes couldn't take all of these treats. My mind came up with so many new recipes. We arrived at the doctor, and my nerves kicked in. Please let it be a boy! Please! I had to wait as a noblewoman was getting checked out. I know her body was in shock as I was sitting there. She asked the doctor to stop and check the Queen. "I'm fine. You finish your examination. I am not in any rush." I said to her,"But, your majesty. You should always be attended to first. Please, so you can be on your way."I smiled and now out of respect. It won't last long, as I am only doing an ultrasound today. The doctor gestured for me to come in. I chose Jabrel to go into the room to calm my anxiety. Lily and Mikhal stayed in the lobby. The worst thing about it is the cold jelly. The baby was healthy and growing. No problems we had to deal with. However, the way the doctor smiled at me wasn't pleasant.Let's not make it a bad story~ Anisel ~The meeting hall was filled with all types of nobles; even Hazel's top men were there. I have never seen such a crowd, but I needed everyone here to discuss business. When I sat down, I saw Matthew three chairs away. Good, he read the letter. “I'm glad that you made it, Lord Matthew. I do apologize for the bother.” I said as I bowed my head.“Desperate times call for desperate measures. It must be important for you even to reach out. What has troubled you, your highness??”“Foreigners have stepped into our lands and caused mischief. They have threatened to start a war because of what has been done. These people are soldiers; however, they used to live here in Satia. Well, their leader did, and the Royal Mint Diamond has been missing for years.” I stated. The whole room went silent as they couldn't believe what they heard.One of the officials has thought what we all were thinking– how did the kingdom function without its precious gem?? We rely on the diamond for support, an
~ Mia ~My whole mood changed when I noticed he was there. With a lot of strength, I shook his hand. My focus went back to Anisel, and asked if we could talk in private. With a nod, we went to the bedroom and locked the door. My brother, Lily, and the servant came in with us. "I knew it!! I knew it was going to be a boy!!" Lily shouted with excitement.“Good because having all girls running around isn't the best. To have a nephew is awesome news.” Jabrel said. The more we discussed it, the more I realized how he would be born into madness. I'm in my third semester, and if a war happens, then he will be raised in disaster. I can't have my son be forced into this. Anisel glanced at me with concern. I explained my thoughts. He held my hand and told me not to think negatively. He will be protected at all times.I needed to hear that. The others had confused expressions which switched the mood. I brushed it off and returned to talking about our bouncy baby boy. They got excited when I aske
~ Mia ~ We agreed as long he is being monitored 24/7; then I do not mind him by the palace. However, if he betrays us, it is over. Early that morning, I felt an arm around me, “Morning, beautiful.” Anisel smiled. "Good morning, my fine sir. Did you get things done last night?" “Doubting my skills, I see?? But I did everything I needed to relax today. I wish you cleared your schedule so we can be together.” He pouted as he wrapped himself around my body and rubbed my stomach. I wish I could clear my schedule too, but I have a doctor's appointment today. After that, I have a meeting with my brother. He nodded his head and curled up into a ball. What a cutie. Mikhal entered the room to help me start my day. He picked out regular clothes as it was hard to fit my dresses. I am four months pregnant, and it is beginning to show. All my clothes are right fitting and need to be altered. After getting ready, I kissed my sleepy husband goodbye and walked toward the dining hall. I usually ju
I order Hamon and Mihkal to search the palace for my husband. I wanted to wait until tomorrow, but this is important. As we looked, I noticed he wasn't in the bedroom or office, which he usually is. I even went to check the kitchen, and nothing. I searched in Hazel’s palace section and was nowhere to be seen. I peeked out the window toward the garden to see him talking to Matthew. So, I rushed out there to catch them. "Well, hello, my beautiful wife. What's the fire??" Anisel asked. Matt just stood there looking at me with his smirk. "We need to talk now!" "Of course, my love," he said in confusion. We didn't even sit before I told him what my brother and Lily had said. “I was going to let you know, but I didn't want you under more stress.” That is something you do not keep from me. We are in this together, and I feel like we are drifting away in this situation. I turned to Matthew, who said nothing and smiled. I scold him for even doing that stunt. He shrugged his shoulders and
~ Mia ~ Nothing occurred yesterday instead for servants running around. My parents should arrive soon; Jabrel and I haven't seen them since the banishment. My mom was in prison before she made that decision. To have them back is like getting spit stuck in your throat. Jabrel, Anisel, and I waited by the front gate. We had on our best outfits to look presentable, at least. Jabrel spotted the car and fixed himself. My hands become sweaty, and I can feel my legs shaking. When the car came to a halt, Josuha and Hazel came out. They changed clothes and had smiles on their faces. "We are honored to welcome your former king and queen!" Hazel said as she bowed as she opened the door. There they were– my parents looking worn out. I couldn't help the tears that formed. When my mom's eyes landed on me, she greeted me with open arms. I ran to her for a hug. Jabrel did the same. "I missed you so much," I said while I cried in my mom's arms. "Mia, it's good to see you well. You too, Jabrel and
~ Many Years Ago ~ Imagine you walking down a dirt road with people wearing just robes and nothing on their feet—children shaking in the cold, begging for food and water. The neighborhood is infested with files as bodies lay across the street. This is my home, the kingdom of Satia—a beautiful country where even people experiencing poverty have beauty. Our neighborhood wasn't like this until the tyrants threatened the low-income citizens like trash. They left us with nothing but the clothes on our backs. Tents and broken-down buildings are what we call a shelter. There are no stores to shop for fresh food or water. The garbage from the main kingdom flows down into our river and clouds it up. The citizens of Satia have nothing but rats. I can't believe I'm about to have a healthy baby boy in this run-down place. When I got home, my boyfriend, Khali, glanced out the window. "I'm home!" I said as I placed the basket down. "Still nothing, honey??" “No, just rotten fruit and stale b
~ Anisel ~ Who would have thought the Dean brothers would be back in the neighborhood? Returning to this broken-down place felt odd; however, it felt good to be home. Mia, Hazel, Joshua, Jabrel, Lily, and I began to search around to find anything that would give us a lead. If Mia’s parents can't tell us the truth, we must find it ourselves. As we stepped down the dirt road, I reminisced the fun memories of smearing mud on the people. The neighborhood looks the same after all these years but is abandoned. “I remember throwing mud at the guards that marched past here, but to find out it was horse shit and one of them had some of it in the mouth.” Joshua laughed. “I remember that— puke up a lung when I found it. Mom had me sleep outside for days, and we got grounded for two months. Best night of our lives.” “Not like that time when we pick-pocketed those nobles and threw their money like it was raining. Those citizens were having a ball.” Joshua said. Hazel wanted to laugh but
~ Mia ~ “Now, why would I tell?? I haven't gotten a compromise yet. I still want my money.” Sera said. “There is no compromise here. We don't have your request, so I inform you to leave immediately.” Anisel said as he held the gun up. “Then why didn't you tell me you wanted a war? I would have been happy to go over the plans with you.” Sera chuckled. She pulled out her gun and aimed it at Joshua. His face tensed up as he dropped his weapon to the ground. She knew that we were going to be here as she was watching us. That which. I see why they hated her– her personality sucks. She doesn't even look over 40. I don't believe that she is causing this much trouble. I stepped back and bumped into Joshua, who had eyes on the others. What are we going to do now?? Jabrel and Lily’s life is on the line— ours as well. Sera looked past the brothers and saw me. Her expression went sour as she wanted to know how I felt under pressure. I was fine but wanted to let go. "It's not that easy, m