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 storySo, the diamond has been in that cell for decades, and no one thought to look!! They did explain how the cells were destroyed after their escape leaving everything to rot. People assume they took it as they fled the kingdom. My parents never checked or tried to check if there was anything here under the rumble. It was like they didn't care. As the guards kicked down their door that day, Khali, Anisel’s father, swallowed it like water. He regrets the choice as his stomach was out of order for the days they were in that cell. When it finally passed through, they immediately placed it in a hole. I have many questions but I don't know where to start. Khali cut off my thinking, “I wish we could chat more. But we don't have time to waste. Just meet us here and we will tell you what we know.” Khali said. They bowed as they waved goodbye. In the back of my mind, I should tell Anisel about this sudden surprise. But, I was ordered by them to keep it a secret. So I will. I came across Anisel
~ Mia ~ He just left me here— not one stare back. I never would have thought Anisel could be this cruel to me. Some of the guards turned away once I glanced at them. Why would they stand there and not help me up?? I wiped my eyes as I stood on my feet. I would chase after him, but I know I would make it worse. I headed to the main office to speak to Nina. When I arrived, the others glared at me with such tension. Before I could blink, they walked out of the room, and even my brother gave me a disappointing expression. I felt awful. Nina stood at her desk, waiting for me to join her. At first, I didn't know what to say. “The Queen of Satia, lying about bringing peace only to cause suffering. Why didn't you tell him this on the day you did it?" Nina said. I wanted to tell them before everything, but I couldn't see them like that. They did not know how to live. Giving them that closure brought relief and comfort. I want them to be happy. Nina shook her head. Lovers are not supposed
“How did you know??” I curiously asked. “You have a similar smell to Pinta, like a comforting scent. Mom also told me your name, and it’s a coincidence you have the same name. Plus, you like me as well.” I couldn’t hold back my tears. Mia did say he was brilliant, but this is ridiculous. I was questioning if he was five. Julian began to hiccup as his eyes filled with water. Every time they drip down, I wipe them. Under his breath, he started to say it was okay to cry, but it showed weakness. So, nobody should see him cry. Until today, he came running towards me—my baby boy. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. An hour later, I carried Julian in while he fell asleep. I spotted my wife as he strolled down the hallway. She was worried sick about our whereabouts and asked what happened. I had a guard take him to his room so Mia and I could talk. I told her everything, even the part when he figured it out. The fact Pinta had my scent for so long amazed me. Mia took everything that belonged to me
~ Mia ~ I couldn’t rest last night as we were searching for Pinta. He still wasn’t found. How could Julian lose him that fast? As I was walking around the hallway, I spotted Matthew sitting on a bench, staring out the window. “Hey Matt, you okay??” I asked. He needed some air, that's all. The doctors said he had permission to walk freely. He wanted to build his strength back up, and being cooped up in bed wasn't helping. “Heard you have been looking for something. Searching like crazy.” He mentioned. Yeah, Pinta. However, I gave up because I knew he would appear soon. But I did ask Matthew if he saw him by any chance. It took a second to respond, and he shook his head no. Out of nowhere, he grabbed my waist as I was about to leave. The grip was loose, as he didn't intend to hurt me. He had this expression that I couldn't figure out. He was happy that I found someone who was caring. Who will do anything for me? Matthew never complimented anybody before, and to hear this was heart
~ Julian ~ Mommy and I went to find Pinta. I swear I had him before climbing in bed— I think. If we don't see him, then I will never get to sleep. He is my safe zone. Mommy took us to the living room and began to search. I looked in tight spaces so she didn't have to. I remember playing with him here, but I would never—would I?? I threw the seat pillows across the way, and Mommy saw me struggling as I held it with two hands. "Don't hurt yourself, Julian." She said as she helped me. "PINTA!!! Pinta, buddy, where are you?" I wanted to cry because Mommy said I must be a big boy and never show sadness around people. I am only allowed to cry when I am in the bathroom. She told me to stand here while she checked the kitchen. If Pinta is in there, then he will get punished. While standing, my head spun around to find a brown bear— but nowhere to be found. I can’t wait anymore for Mommy to get back. PINTA!! I searched up and down the hallways as guards helped as well. They said they hadn
My body froze in place while Sera asked again as she walked forward. “Where are the bodies, Mia?? There is nothing in those caskets— why would you put nothing underground?? Did you lie to them??” she said. “Digging up graves is disrespectful. I see your parents didn't teach you manners.” “Like your parents taught you nothing— like you lying. What would the brothers think of this?? If they are not in a casket, where could they be?? Are they alive??” Sera asked with curiosity. I don't know the answer, but we searched the nation for their bodies, and they were nowhere to be found. I had to do it for closure so they could live in peace. It was the right thing to do at the time. If my husband found out about this, then I am dead. Why did she ask me when she killed them? Sera corrected me by saying someone killed them. She doesn't know if they did the job. So, Anisel’s parents could be alive after all these years, along with the diamond. Where could they be hiding?? As I was thinking,